Tips on Increasing Fruit Consumption

Low in fats and sodium and high in certain vitamins and minerals they make especially satisfying desserts and snacks. Or, take advantage of their great variety in flavor, color, and texture to perk up vegetables and salads and to flavor or garnish simply prepared meats, fish or poultry.

Have fresh fruits available for snacking. Try different fruits when you prepare muffins, pancakes, or quick breads. Dried apricots, raisins, dates, bananas, blueberries, or apples add extra fiber and variety in flavor. Use lightly sweetened fruit sauce in place of frosting on cake. Squeeze a lime or lemon wedge over a salad or fruit salad in place of salad dressing. For a dessert, alternate layers of fresh fruit with plain low-fat yogurt in a parfait glass, sprinkle top with cinnamon. For extra fiber choose whole fruit in place of juice. Bake or broil fruits for dessert or appetizer. Try baked pears, apples or bananas. Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.