The Easiest Way To Incorporate More Greens Into Your Diet

As it turns out, Mom and Dad were absolutely right: Eating your fruits and veggies is important. In fact, even dietary experts from the US Department of Agriculture suggest eating five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day, per Produce for Better Health Foundation. However, according to a 2017 press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 10% of American adults actually meet this goal. Why is this the case? Whether their reasons are related to the price of groceries, hectic lifestyles, or the convenience of takeout, many folks simply aren't consuming the recommended nutrients they need.

Thankfully, there are a number of easy ways to add more of nature's candies to our meals — without fully sacrificing the foods and beverages we love to eat and drink. For example, Everyday Health encourages mixing fruits into your yogurt, muffins, and cereal, topping your pizza with fresh vegetables, and starting a tradition of cooking new and delicious recipes at home a few nights a week. One of the most popular — and basically foolproof — ways to boost your daily plant intake is tasty, simple, and super portable, even for consumers who are seemingly constantly on the go. Behold the smoothie!

Smoothies — particularly "green" smoothies, which contain vitamin-packed leafy greens that a diet should include, such as spinach, kale, and swiss chard — are having a moment. Medical professionals, nutritionists, and fitness buffs alike agree that green smoothies are a reputable source of nourishment. Healthline explains that the benefits of a green smoothie obviously depend on its ingredients because as with any type of food, not all fruits and veggies are created equally. In general, a solid combination of protein, fiber, and fat can create a wholesome, well-balanced, filling meal, even if it's in a drinkable form. Added sugars, syrups, and other nonessential elements tend to be the culprit in the health factor of these blended beverages.

Some companies are catching on to consumers' desires for wellness. For instance, the brand Phyll understands that people today lead busy lives, which is why it makes bottled green smoothies with plenty of protein, fiber, and other nutrients — no blender or fancy tools required. Meal subscription services, including Splendid Spoon, also offer the option to have protein smoothies delivered straight to customers' doors.