By following some simple tips, you can add more fruits and vegetables to your healthy eating regimen, even when you dine in restaurants.

Nutritionists and dietitians say eating plans rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, as well as provide essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

As far as weight loss is concerned, most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories, and they'll fill you up. Add variety to your choices of fruits and vegetables, depending on what's in season and available.

The general guideline is five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. So if you're wondering how to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your healthy eating, try these 10 tips:

•  Start your day with 100-percent fruit or vegetable juice;

•  Slice bananas or strawberries on top of your cereal;

•  Eat a salad with lunch and an apple for an afternoon snack;

•  Include a vegetable or two with dinner;

•  Combine fruits and vegetables of different flavors and colors, like red grapes with pineapple chunks, or cucumbers and red peppers;

•  Keep fruits and veggies visible and easily accessible so they will tempt you.

•  Buy ready-to-eat packaged fresh vegetables that are already cleaned;

•  Snack on an apple or orange; a zip-lock bag packed with sweet cherries, grapes, dried dates, figs, prunes, raisings and apricots; carrot sticks; broccoli; or red, yellow and green peppers dipped in low-fat or non-fat salad dressing;

•  Buy low-fat yogurt, fruit juice and fresh, canned or frozen fruit to blend for a smoothie;

•  Order, when dining out, veggie pizza; pasta with vegetables, but watch out for high-fat cream sauces; fresh vegetable wraps; low-sodium vegetable soup; small salad, instead of fries; plenty of fresh vegetables from the salad bar.

Nubella News, a division of Marketing Technology Solutions, Inc., offers content intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We encourage our readers to seek prompt medical care for health issues and consult their physicians before starting a new diet, fitness regimen, or medical treatment.