As we enter into the summer month’s opportunities to enjoy produce are all around us. Whether you frequent your local Farmers Market, grow produce in your own garden or enjoy the expanded selection of seasonal produce available at the grocery store, fruits and vegetables are fundamental to a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, fiber and other nutrients and are lower in calories. Remember to still be aware of portion sizes, even low-calorie foods can add up when proper portion sizes are overlooked.

Grill colorful vegetable kabobs packed with tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms and onions.

1. Add color to salads with baby carrots, grape tomatoes, spinach leaves or mandarin oranges.

2. Stock up: Fill your fridge with raw vegetables and fruit- the original fast food- cleaned, fresh and ready to eat.

3. Added grated, shredded or chopped vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or carrots to lasagna, meat loaf, mashed potatoes, and pasta sauce and rice dishes.

4. Try crunchy vegetables instead of chips with your favorite dip or low-fat salad dressing.

5. Mix up a breakfast smoothing made with low-fat milk, strawberries and bananas.

6. Fresh vegetables such as broccoli, green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and zucchini make great toppings on homemade pizza.

7. Stuff an omelet with vegetables. Turn an ordinary omelet into a hearty meal with squash, carrots, tomatoes or onions.