Most of us are not eating enough plants, so if you want to eat healthier, including more plants in your diet is a great place to start. 

Plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are compounds produced by plants as they grow to ward off pests and disease. They offer a variety of health benefits, including fighting inflammation, boosting our immune systems, and repairing the DNA of damaged cells.  

So how can you eat more plants? Try these tips: 

• Add fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks you already make. Try adding colorful veggies to a scramble or omelet; fruit to oatmeal, cereal, or granola; veggie toppings to a homemade pizza; and grated or chopped veggies to lasagna, pasta or rice dishes.   
• Eat colorful plant-focused snacks throughout the day. Fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas are naturally ready for you to grab and go. Other great snack options include homemade trail mix with unsalted nuts and dried fruit, plain yogurt topped with mixed berries, fruit salad, celery with nut butter, and carrot and/or bell pepper slices with hummus.  
• Add a new recipe to your routine. You don’t have to overhaul your entire meal plan. Trying even one new recipe a week can be a great way to experiment and find a new plant-focused meal that you enjoy.  

The question of how to improve your diet for better overall health is a big one, and the answer can vary from person to person. If you are looking for specific recommendations, consider working with a registered dietitian.  

Read our article on phytonutrients to learn more about health benefits and get recipes featuring the various colors of the rainbow. 

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Phytonutrients are compounds plants produce to protect against damage and predators. Some have cancer-protective properties and many are anti-inflammatory. To get the full benefits, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber, we recommend consuming whole foods.

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