Challenge: Get your kids to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Sounds daunting? We’ll give you some tips, but first here’s why it’s so important – for you and your children:

• Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
• Fruits and vegetables also provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber and other substances that are important for good health.
• Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling.

Now that we know why it is important, here are some tips for starting a fruit and vegetable habit:

• Have fruit with breakfast every day.
• Double the portion size of fruits and veggies: Eat a full cup instead of half a cup.
• Add peanut butter, cream cheese or yogurt to fruits and vegetables for some extra energy.
• Use fruit and vegetables as ingredients in your cooking – and involve the kids in the meal preparation.
• Try a new fruit or vegetable each week.

Serving hint: 5 servings equal about 2.5 cups of fruits of vegetables per day.

For more tips on eating healthy, check out www.choosemyplate.gov.