Fruits and vegetables taste great and are full of vital nutrients to help the human body thrive.

A good rule is to ensure half of your plate is fruits and vegetables when sitting down to a meal. Adding a bit of variety to eating fruits and vegetables may spice up mealtime and encourage those in the family to try new things.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates National Nutrition Month throughout March. The Academy has also come up with several ways to enjoy more fruits and vegetables for snacks or with a meal.

• Try using vegetables like broccoli, green peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms for pizza toppings.
• Mix up a breakfast smoothie made with low-fat milk and frozen fruit. Try strawberries and banana, or mango with pineapple or peach.
• Make a veggie wrap with roasted vegetables and low-fat cheese rolled in a whole-wheat tortilla.
• Try crunchy vegetables instead of chips with low-fat salad dressing for dipping.
• Grill colorful vegetable kabobs packed with tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
• Stock your freezer with frozen vegetables to steam or stir-fry for a quick side dish.
• Keep cut vegetables handy for mid-afternoon snacks, side dishes, lunch box additions, or a quick bite while waiting for dinner.
• Make a habit of adding fruit to your morning oatmeal, ready-to-eat cereal, yogurt, or toaster waffle.

For more tips about adding more fruits and vegetables, download a PDF developed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in honor of National Nutrition Month.

For more information about National Nutrition Month, visit the academy’s website. For more information about SNAP-Ed, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.