Don’t you hate it when you realize Mom was right about something?

Remember how she always told you to eat your greens? You probably responded by pushing them around your plate until she gave up. If you wanted dessert, you might even have gone so far as to touch the broccoli or asparagus to your lips, but that was it. Well, even back then your mom knew her stuff. Green foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, water, and antioxidants. Experts stress that the key to getting all the benefits that greens offer is to include different shades of green in your diet. Don’t think that because you’re eating a side salad with every meal that you’re getting enough greens in your system. Remember, the more variety, the greater the benefits.

Go for Green Foods

You can start small by adding raw broccoli (high in fiber) to your salad or as a side dish. If you’re not a broccoli eater, “green” your plate with asparagus or spinach, both of which are high in vitamin K.

Think the color green when it comes to your fruit choices as well. Select a green apple (high in fiber) over a red one for a  snack, or make a green fruit salad by adding kiwis (high in vitamin C) and green grapes. Not only are you getting the health benefits of the greens, but a tasty treat as well.

Going green can even be as simple as changing your drink. Instead of your usual black tea, make a cup of green tea. For variety, try the ones with a twist of lemon or citrus. Not only is green tea high in antioxidants, it’s a great way to add refreshment to your day.

Supplements Can Help

But for some people, it’s not that simple. If you travel a lot, or just have a hectic schedule, you might not have the time or the opportunity to get what you need nutritionally. Also, if you have digestive problems, certain greens might wreak havoc on your system. However, even with these issues, there’s an easy way to get the greens you need: supplementation.

Look for vegetable-based supplements, and you’ll see lots of green. For instance, Greens Complete Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Formula from Garden Greens is one way to take your greens. This multivitamin supplement is a vegetable blend that includes broccoli and kale and is rich in polynutrients and antioxidants. Another choice is Greens Today supplements, which are available in specific formulas for men, women, and children. These are also rich in polynutrients and plant fiber.

If you’re never without your water bottle, color your water green. Green Magma is a powder supplement that mixes easily with water or juice. Made with organic young barley grass juice, it’s high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, proteins, active enzymes, and chlorophyll. Other powdered options are Superior Greens Powder by Food Science and Macro Greens from Miracle Greens.

With green supplements, you won’t have to make any more excuses or keep pushing those greens around on your plate. Do something good for your body today. Add a daily green supplement to your diet.

—Apryl Chapman Thomas