Eating fruits and vegetables is a great way to give your body energy and vitamins to help ward off illness.  In addition, most fruits and vegetables are low in fat and calories and are filling.  As a college student you may wonder   how can I eat more fruits and vegetables when I am busy and also on a budget?

Tips for getting more fruits and vegetables:

• Shop for fruits and vegetables when they are in season. Look to see when your favorites are in season
• Cook most frozen vegetables in the microwave in less than five minutes. They are just as nutritious as fresh veggies.  Here are tips for healthy ways to cook fruits and vegetables
• Try different cooking methods of vegetables including grilling, roasting or baking
• Keep fruit in your backpack at all times for a nutrient rich snack
• Grab a piece of fruit with you leave the dining hall
• Plan meals around a vegetable as the main dish
• Make healthy fruit dips with peanut butter and yogurt
• Make nutritious dips for veggies including hummus or yogurt with herbs

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/fruits_vegetables.html