If you’re like most Americans, you probably know you should eat more fruits and vegetables—but actually doing it can be a challenge. According to CDC, only one in ten adults meets the daily recommended intake for produce, and most of us fall short due to time constraints, cost, and the fear of food waste. These issues—and creative solutions—were front and center at the recent “Eat It or Drink It: A Better Way to Consume Your Produce” webinar, hosted by the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles (AHL) Coalition. The webinar was based on a presentation created by Lanice Wilson, owner of the Juice Joint 2.0.

Why Produce Matters

The webinar, moderated by Debbie Smith and featuring a panel of health and nutrition experts, kicked off with a simple question: What are your favorite fruits and vegetables, and how many servings do you get each day? Most participants reported just two servings daily, well below the USDA’s recommended five. Dr. Devona Williams, who facilitated the session, emphasized the health consequences of inadequate produce intake—ranging from low energy and poor digestion to increased risk of chronic diseases.

Common Barriers—and How to Overcome Them

Attendees and panelists alike cited time, preparation, and spoilage as the biggest barriers to eating more produce. For many, the solution is to make produce consumption easier and more convenient. One standout strategy discussed in the webinar: drink your produce! Smoothies and juices can pack four or more servings into a single glass, making it simple to meet your daily goals even on the busiest days.

Practical Tips from the Webinar

The session was rich with practical advice:

• Use frozen produce: It’s just as nutritious, reduces waste, and is always ready for smoothies or soups.

• Prep ahead: Meal prep your fruits and veggies on Sundays and keep them visible for easy access.

• Get creative: Add vegetables to pasta, soups, and sauces, or repurpose juice pulp in baking.

• Buy local and in-season: Take advantage of farmers markets and local guides for fresher, more affordable options.

• Try a 7-day challenge: Dr. Williams encouraged everyone to eat or drink five to seven servings of produce daily for a week and track the impact on mood and energy.

Community Wisdom

The webinar’s interactive format allowed participants to share their own hacks, like using individual blenders for quick smoothies, growing veggies at home, and partnering with friends for accountability. As Dr. Williams noted, “Every sip, every bite is an act of self-care and an investment in your health.”

Looking Ahead

If you missed the “Eat It or Drink It” webinar, you can find the recording and additional resources on the AHL Coalition website. The next session, focusing on diabetes prevention, is scheduled for April. In the meantime, why not take the 7-day produce challenge and see how a few small changes can make a big difference in your health?

For more information on healthy eating, community resources, and upcoming events, visit the AHL Coalition at www.ahlcoalition.org. Let’s make every bite—and every sip—count!