Vegetables: Any vegetable or 100% vegetable juice counts as a member of the Vegetable Group. Vegetables may be raw or cooked; fresh, frozen, canned, or dried/
dehydrated; and may be whole, cut-up, or mashed.

Ways to increase consumption:

-Buy fresh vegetables in season. They cost less and are likely to be at their peak flavor.

-Stock up on frozen vegetables for quick and easy cooking in the microwave.

-Buy vegetables that are easy to prepare. Pick up pre-washed bags of salad greens and add baby carrots or grape tomatoes for a salad in minutes. Buy packages of veggies such as baby carrots or celery sticks for quick snacks.

-Use a microwave to quickly “zap” vegetables. White or sweet potatoes can be baked quickly this way.

-Vary your veggie choices to keep meals interesting.

-Try crunchy vegetables, raw or lightly steamed