We’re in the thick of winter, which means fresh produce isn’t always as easy to come by. I long for a tomato that isn’t pitiful to look at and tasteless on my taco. Alas, I will need to wait a few months for a tasty tomato. In the meantime, there are loads of other great options. (See this week’s shopping cart below to prove it.)
You might get sick of me saying it, but hey, you’ll really get sick if you don’t do it. So I’ll keep encouraging and prodding because I just can’t help it: Buy fruits and vegetables. Eat fruits and vegetables. It’s the easiest and best way to be healthier.
I have become more convicted than ever that:
1. My family needs even more than I had been giving them.
2. In order to eat more fruits and vegetables, I have to be very intentional about purchasing and serving them. And
3. It really is easy to always eat many fruits and vegetables each day.
How is it easy? I now go to the store for the purpose of loading up on fruits and vegetables. I fill my cart. I go through check-out. Then I have a counter-top full and a fridge full and a freezer full of fruits and vegetables. Then we eat them often. See how easy that is?
I have found that taking my boys to the store with me to help me pick out all the fruits and vegetables that look good to them has been very helpful to encourage them to crave and eat them! (It’s also very nice because they can then help me load and unload and unpack it all too. It’s a win-win.)
This week the boys and I filled our cart with: clementines, apples, grapefruit, pears, pineapple, raspberries, blueberries, cucumbers, grapes, avocados, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, mixed greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, kiwi, and one lone banana. (We’re a little tired of bananas right now, but Malachi thought maybe one for a bedtime snack sounded like a good idea.)
This cart full will last us for about one week. (We also have plenty of frozen veggies in the freezer.) When I have a bunch of fruit and veggies on hand, I find that it is so fun to figure out fun ways to serve them. It inspires me to set out a variety with each meal. And just think of all the great nutrients we’re getting!
Okay, now your turn! The next time you go to the store (which may be a few days for those of you who are snowed in!) – go with the intention of buying lots of fruits and vegetables. Buy a variety, buy what looks delicious, and buy more than just a little bit. You and your family need this! Envision me sitting on your shoulder as you look at the kiwi saying, “Yes! Get it! And get that fresh spinach over there too!” (Obviously, if I were sitting on your shoulder, I would also remind you to get butter while you’re there.)
On Friday, I’ll share pictures to show some of the ways we’re eating our cart full of fruits and vegetables. Then next Monday, we’ll check in to see how this challenge went for you. You have six days to get to the store, fill your cart, come home, and fill your belly.
Want to begin making your list? Tell me in the comments section every fruit and vegetable that sounds good to you right now!