Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of any well-balanced diet. The recommended amount is 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables per day. But, do you know what age group struggles the most with getting these recommended amounts? If you guessed kids, you are correct! Kids are notorious for being picky eaters, and getting them to eat their fruits and vegetables can be a battle. However, here are a few tricks for those looking to add some variety to your family’s diet!

• Smoothies: This is a great way to sneak in leafy greens, celery, or even a greens powder
• Sauces: one of my favorite ways to add veggies is to add them to a tomato sauce with spaghetti. You can mince carrots, bell peppers, celery, spinach, or squash. If you want to be sneaky, blend the sauce after cooking, so it’s a smooth consistency
• Freeze-Dried Fruit: freeze-dried fruit comes in almost every fruit you can imagine. This is an easy snack for when you are on the go and for those that like a little something sweet and crunchy!
• Greens Powder: I mentioned it under smoothies, but a greens powder quickly adds a serving of vegetables to any meal. You can mix it into your pasta sauce, add it to brownie batter, or even to your ketchup

Let me know in the comments if any of these tricks worked for you or your favorite way of adding vegetables and fruit to your and your family’s diet!