Summer Is the Perfect Season to Boost Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Images courtesy of Canva

Summer is an ideal time for Americans to boost their intake of fruits and vegetables—a habit most fall short on throughout the year. According to the CDC, fewer than 10% of Americans meet the daily goal of five servings. In Kansas, only 10% of residents eat enough fruit, and just 8% get enough vegetables.

Ashley Svaty, a family and consumer sciences specialist with K-State Research and Extension, says summer’s abundance makes it easier and more affordable to eat fresh produce. Farmers markets and grocery stores typically offer seasonal items at lower prices.

The USDA defines a serving as one cup of raw produce or half a cup of cooked. To encourage better eating habits, Svaty suggests keeping a bowl of fresh fruit visible for convenient snacking and making fruits and vegetables more fun—like putting them on skewers or grilling them.

Popular summer produce includes squash, zucchini, watermelon, peaches, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more. Many can be frozen or canned for later use. Svaty also recommends grilling vegetables and proteins together to reduce indoor heat and preparing leftovers to save time and energy.

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