Plant-Powered Party

Creative Ways to Celebrate with Fruits & Veggies

Did you know the Thursday before Memorial Day is officially Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day? It's a light-hearted nudge toward better habits right as cookout season begins. Whether you're a fruit fanatic, a veggie rookie, or someone trying to get your kids on board, this unofficial holiday is the perfect excuse to add more color to your plate—and maybe even your life.

Why It Matters: 5 Benefits of Eating More Fruits & Veggies

1. Stronger Immunity

   • Vitamin C in oranges, antioxidants in berries, and zinc in leafy greens help your body fight off illness and inflammation naturally.

2. Better Digestion

   • Fiber from apples, carrots, and spinach keeps things moving and helps your gut microbiome stay balanced.

3. Brighter Mood

   • Studies link fruit and veggie consumption to improved mood and reduced risk of depression. They literally help you “feel good” from the inside out.

4. Healthy Heart

   • Potassium-rich foods like bananas and sweet potatoes lower blood pressure. Greens help reduce cholesterol and promote circulation.

5. Glowing Skin and Hair

   • Hydrating fruits like watermelon and cucumber, plus beta carotene from carrots and mangoes, contribute to healthy, radiant skin and hair.

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5 Easy Ways to Add More Fruits & Veggies (Without Feeling Like a Rabbit)

1. Blend it up: Add a handful of spinach or frozen cauliflower to your smoothie—you won’t even taste it.

2. Rainbow Jars: Keep clear containers of pre-chopped fruits and veggies ready to grab.

3. Swap your noodles: Try spiralized zucchini or carrot ribbons tossed with your favorite sauce.

4. Dip it: Pair carrots, bell pepper strips, or apple slices with hummus, yogurt dip, or nut butter.

5. Frozen magic: Freeze grapes, banana slices, or berries for refreshing summer snacks that feel like dessert.

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Restaurant-Inspired Recipes (Fruit & Veggie-Boosted!)

1. Chick-Fil-A Style Fruit Kabobs
A fun, portable twist on the fruit cup.

• Ingredients: Cubes of pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, strawberries, kiwi

• Optional Flair: Mint leaves or star-shaped melon slices for a playful touch

• Serving Tip: Arrange on wooden skewers, serve chilled with a yogurt-honey dip or drizzle of lime

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2. Sweetgreen-Inspired Rainbow Harvest Bowl

• Ingredients: Roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, kale, apple slices, goat cheese, toasted walnuts

• Dressing: Maple-balsamic vinaigrette (1 tbsp balsamic, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 tsp olive oil, dash mustard)

• Bonus Boost: Add pomegranate seeds for or crazins for a fruity punch

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3. Cheesecake Factory-Style Thai Lettuce Wraps

• Wrap Base: Butter lettuce or cabbage leaves

• Fillings: Shredded carrots, mango slices, bell peppers, cucumber, grilled tofu or chicken

• Sauce: Mix 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp honey, splash of lime juice

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4. Panera-Inspired Broccoli Cheddar Veggie Soup
Creamy and comforting—but packed with veggies.

• Base: Sautéed onion, garlic, carrot, and broccoli in olive oil

• Add: Low-sodium veggie broth and a splash of milk or dairy-free alternative

• Thicken: Simmer with a small potato or blend ⅓ of the soup for creaminess

• Finish: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar (or vegan cheese)

• Bonus Boost: Add cauliflower or spinach for extra veggie stealth

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5. Green Goddess Veggie Sandwich (Panera-style)

• Bread: Whole grain or focaccia

• Spread: Avocado mashed with lemon, garlic powder, and a hint of mustard

• Filling: Tomato, cucumber, pickled red onion, spinach, sprouts

• Optional Twist: Add sliced strawberries or thin green apple for a sweet crunch