Everything you do in life, you do for one reason: to be happy. You get married. You get divorced. You buy a new car. You have kids. You go on vacation. You buy a new wardrobe. All so you can be happy. But what if I told you that the key to happiness is somewhere you never thought to look — on your plate?
A recent study from the University of Warwick in England and the University of Queensland in Australia found that eating more fruits and vegetables increases your overall well-being and satisfaction with life. This means the elusive happiness you’ve been searching for all these years could be as close as your local farmer’s market or the produce section of your grocery store… or even in your own backyard if you’re the gardening type.
After studying the dietary habits of 12,000 randomly selected people, researchers discovered that people who went from eating little to no vegetables and fruits to eating eight servings per day were substantially happier within 24 months of making the change. They also said that the increase in happiness was similar to what they’ve seen in someone who’s been out of work for a long time and finally finds a job. In other words, these extra servings of fruit and vegetables were making these people feel pretty darn good.
What’s even more interesting is that the psychological benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables went up a little more with each serving. So, those who ate the most fruit and veggies were loving life by the time the two-year study was over.
Now I know it’s not always easy to get eight servings of fruit and vegetables per day. So here are a few ways to add more fruit, veggies, and happiness to your life:
Eat a fruit-focused breakfast
Starting your day with a fruit-rich breakfast can help you achieve your daily fruit intake goals. Options could include a fruit smoothie made with your favorite fruits, yogurt mixed with berries, or even a bowl of warm oatmeal topped with fresh or dried fruits.
Eat a meal-quality salad at least once a day
Whether it’s for dinner or lunch, a big salad will help you fit a lot more veggies into your day. You can experiment with different toppings like nuts, seeds, and healthy protein sources such as grilled chicken, fish, or beans to make sure you stay satisfied and on track to meeting your daily quota.
Prep fruit and veggies ahead of time
If you cut and wash fruit and veggies and keep them in Tupperware containers in your fridge, you’ll find yourself eating them a lot more frequently. Because, as you know, convenience is key! Prepping your produce in advance also saves time in the kitchen, allowing you to whip up healthy meals quickly without hesitation.
Switch up your snacks
Replace potato chips or tortilla chips with fresh-baked kale chips. Or tap into your supply of prepped fruits and veggies when you’re hankering for a snack. Swap your usual mid-afternoon chocolate bar for a more nourishing option like a handful of carrots or a juicy apple, as these foods will not only satisfy your craving but also help to keep you fuller for longer.
Add fruits and veggies to everything you make
No matter what you’re cooking, you can find a way to add fruit or veggies to it. Making an omelet? Add your favorite veggies inside. Pancakes? Stir in some blueberries. Pizza? Pile on the veggies. Pasta? Make it a pasta primavera, or spiralize zucchini noodles to replace the pasta altogether.
Incorporating just a few of these tactics can help you enjoy more fruits and veggies than you ever thought possible. These nutrient-dense and wholesome foods can lead to a healthier, happier you — and that’s what each one of us ultimately aspires to achieve.
So why wait? Embrace the power of plants today to start your journey towards happiness and well-being.
