Fruits and vegetables are an important part of our diet. Besides providing vitamins and minerals, they reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and blindness. I often hear the following “excuses” for not eating enough fruits and vegetables—and here are my responses:

• “I don’t have time to prepare them.” Try using canned or frozen vegetables and fruit. Eat dried fruit such as raisins or prunes. Snack on raw fruits and vegetables. Try baby carrots. • “I don’t like them.” There are so many fruits and vegetables—are you sure there aren’t any that you like? Vegetables can taste very different depending on how long you cook them and what foods you cook them with. Try adding vegetables to soups, stews, rice and eggs. Add cheese to your vegetables. Eat dried beans with your meals—yes, beans can count as a vegetable! Try raw vegetables with dip or eat salads more often. If there aren’t any vegetables that you like, it just means you haven’t found the right recipe. So experiment! • “I can’t afford them.” To save money, your best bet is to purchase SHARE’s regular Produce Assortment for only $5 or try the Organic Produce Assortment—over 10 pounds for just $15! At the grocery store, buy fruits and vegetables that are on sale or in season. If you have children under five years old, contact your local government’s department of human services to find out if your family qualifies for WIC (Women, Infants and Children).

The recommendation for any meal is to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables add color, texture, flavor and variety to your meals. Be adventurous and try a new fruit or vegetable this week!