June is National Fruits and Vegetables Month. That makes it the perfect time to highlight fruits and vegetables, their health benefits, and why you should add them to your Los Angeles refreshment service! We even offer tips on how you can add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Read on for ways to help your team stay healthy by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fruits Give a Sweet Health Boost
Eating a variety of fresh fruits each day is a must for overall health and wellness. They contain key vitamins your body needs. Add some best-selling options to your Los Angeles micro-market or office pantry to help staff get their daily dose.
- Bananas. Bananas are fast snacks that come in their own package (the peel). Plus, they are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and B6.
- Berries. Sweet and full of flavor, berries are a great fresh snack choice. Try blueberries, which have antioxidants that may improve cognitive abilities. Or go for some strawberries, which offer magnesium and phosphorus that help with biochemical reactions in the body.
- Apples. Ever heard the expression, an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Well, it’s probably because eating apples is linked to a lower risk of stroke and heart attack. Plus, they have good-for-you fiber and antioxidants.
Nutrient-Rich Vegetables are Good for Health
One of the best vegetable types for your health is dark leafy greens. We’re talking spinach, kale, bok choy, turnip greens, chard, etc. These are nutrient-dense foods that are naturally low in calories. Plus, they are packed with all kinds of body-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Next up in great vegetables are the cruciferous veggies. You probably know them as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage. The compound sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables is thought to protect against DNA damage and reduce the likelihood of certain cancers. Hence, they are a good daily choice.
Here are other veggies that pack a nutritious punch you should have every day.
- Tomatoes. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins C and K, tomatoes are a rockstar snack. Yes, they are not technically a vegetable, but they also probably don’t belong in a fruit salad. Tomatoes are believed to improve heart and skin health.
- Garlic. Garlic is a small, but mighty veggie that packs tons of flavor. Plus, it can prevent and lessen the effects of a cold.
- Beets. Eating beets has been shown to make heart health and blood pressure better. It’s likely because beets are rich in folate, or vitamin B9. This helps the cells in your body grow and function.
Ways to Add Fruits and Vegetables to Your Diet
Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet doesn’t have to be hard. There are lots of ways to get the benefits of these great edibles. Here are some good options.
Go Raw
Berries, apples, and bananas can all be eaten as is. If you want to make them a healthier dessert, then whip up a cream cheese-based dip.
Berries are also great in water, infusing it with flavor. Add some to your glass before filling it at the office water cooler. You’ll get the benefits of the berries and you’ll be enticed to drink more water.
Summertime is perfect for raw tomatoes. Snack on grape and cherry tomatoes at your desk or cut up larger varieties and top with salt and pepper.
Mix A Salad
Another way to add fruits and vegetables to your diet is to create different salads. Mix and match vegetables and fruits for interesting flavor and texture combinations. You’ll also get different vitamins and minerals from each food in your diet.
Get Cooking
If you’re not a fan of raw fruits and vegetables, try cooking them. It often changes the flavor (sweeter) and texture (softer). Plus, fully or partially cooking these foods can make them easier to digest.
Prep Them ASAP
The key to tempting yourself with fresh fruits and vegetables is to prep them as soon as you get them. That means washing, drying, and storing them in plain sight. Cut up large fruit or veggies into snack-friendly sizes too. Then you will be more likely to choose it as a snack.
Drink Up
Try drinking your fruits and veggies! You can juice fresh fruits and vegetables or add them to smoothies. Try different kinds for fresh combos full of flavor and benefits.
You may even be able to find fruit and vegetable-based smoothies and drinks in your Los Angeles beverage vending machine or micro-market.
It’s Time for a Break Room Health Upgrade
Support your employees’ health goals by promoting fresh fruits and vegetables. Get them added to your existing break room services. Plus, share tips on how to incorporate more fruit and vegetable options into daily life by sharing easy-to-make recipes.
Reach out to Premier VendGroup for support in adding fresh fruit and vegetables to your Los Angeles break room. We have the selection and experience to make it a winning break room solution that drives employee satisfaction. Call Premier VendGroup at 562-928-1301.