Let’s be real, life is busy. Between work, family, and that never-ending to-do list, eating healthy fruits and vegetables often takes a backseat. Fast food is quick, snacks are convenient, and let’s face it, sometimes a bag of chips just hits the spot. 

But what if I told you that adding just one extra serving of fruits and vegetables to your day could make a huge difference in how you feel? No crazy diets, no expensive superfoods, just real, simple foods that give your body what it actually needs. 

Here’s why making fruits and veggies a regular part of your meals is one of the easiest (and tastiest) health upgrades you can make:  

1. They’re Nature’s Multivitamin (Without the Pill)

Think of fruits and veggies as your body’s daily maintenance crew.  

– Low energy? Bananas (potassium) and spinach (iron) help fight fatigue.  

– Catching every cold? Oranges and bell peppers (vitamin C) boost immunity.  

– Feeling bloated? Apples and broccoli (fiber) keep digestion smooth.  

No supplement can replace the natural combo of nutrients in real food.

Healthy fruits

2. They Help You Stay Full, Without the Crash

Ever eaten a huge fast-food meal and felt hungry an hour later? Processed foods are packed with empty calories, but fruits and veggies are loaded with fiber and water, which keep you full longer.  

– Snack hack: Pair an apple with peanut butter or carrots for a satisfying crunch.  

– Meal trick: Fill half your plate with veggies first, you’ll naturally eat less junk.  

3. They Fight Off Sneaky Health Risks (Like a Shield)

Chronic diseases don’t happen overnight, they creep up from years of small choices. The antioxidants in colorful produce act like tiny bodyguards:  

– Blueberries & purple cabbage helps  protect your brain.  

– Tomatoes & watermelon supports heart health.  

– Leafy greens help reduce inflammation (the root of many illnesses).  

Science fact: People who eat more produce (fruits and vegetables) have lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.

4. They Make Healthy Eating Actually Enjoyable

Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring!  

– Sweet tooth? Do you know that frozen grapes or mango chunks taste like candy.  

– Craving crunch? Roasted chickpeas or cucumber slices with lime & salt will help.   

– Need comfort food? Pineapples and or a bowl of fruit mix works wonders.  

Pro tip: Find what you actually like, forcing down fruits and vegetables just because it’s “healthy” won’t last.

Apple snack

5. They Give You Real Energy (Not Just Caffeine) 

That 3pm slump? Instead of reaching for another energy drink and sugar bomb, try:  

– A banana (natural energy boost).  

– A handful of berries (slow-release carbs).  

– Celery & almond butter (protein + crunch).  

Your body runs better on real fuel, not just sugar highs. 

Fruits and veggies smoothie

Small Changes, Big Results

You don’t have to go full vegan or eat salads 24/7. Just one extra serving a day starts the shift. Try:  

– Blending spinach into a smoothie (you won’t even taste it).  

– Adding peppers or mushrooms to your omelet.  

– Swapping fries for a side of roasted veggies.  

Your future self will thank you, more energy, better digestion, and a stronger immune system. Worth it, right?

What’s your favorite way to eat fruits & veggies? (I’m always looking for new ideas, share yours in the comments!) 

Finally, healthy eating isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Start small, enjoy what you eat, and let your body feel the difference.  

(Now, excuse me while I go snack on some watermelon, because yes, it totally counts.)

READ ALSO: Food You Won’t Believe Helps For Glowing Skin

Nigeria is a country known for its diversity and variety of delicacies, street food inclusive. Ranging from the local ones, owned by a certain town or locality of people, to the ones that everyone in Nigeria can testify to its goodness. One thing that joins Nigerians together is how they unify despite their differences when it comes to delicacies. There are quite a number of street foods in Nigeria that all or most of the citizens enjoy. Some of which include:

Puff-puff.

In a corner of every Nigerian street, there is always a woman that fries hot puff-puff. If the woman is not there, almost all provision shops, mini marts and supermarkets sell puff-puff. Every Nigerian enjoys puff-puff that is a Nigerian street food and snack. It is made with a mixture of flour, butter, sugar, butter or margarine, salt, and some other ingredients then the mixture is fried in hot oil. It is a go to snack for most Nigerians while out and even at events.

Read Also: Healthy Living: 9 Ways To Keep Your Body In Good Health

Akara.

This is often referred to as the life saver of most Nigerian men. There is always an akara stand at the beginning of every street where there is an influx of young men. Akara is made from beans pudding and mixed with pepper, onions, seasoning cubes and fried in hot oil, afterwards. It can be paired with bread, pap or eaten alone as a snack.

Abacha.

Abacha is a staple meal predominant in the eastern part of Nigeria, particularly Enugu and Abia. It is made from dried cassasva flakes, drained in lukewarm water and mixed with spices of choice, red oil, peper, seasoning cube and others. Abacha is not just enjoyed by the easterners, it is enjoyed by majority of people in Nigeria.

Bole.

Bole is a meal of plantain and fish, popular among the south south people of port Harcourt. It is majorly made of roasted plantains and grilled fish with hot sauce. This meal is enjoyed by anyone who dares to take a bite of it.

Moi-Moi.

Moimoi is another street food in Nigeria that has to be tried by anyone who comes into Nigeria for the first time. It is made with the same beans pudding which akara is made with. The main difference is that Moimoi is steamed inside plates, leaves, or foil papers. It is a great street food to munch on when you are hungry outside but do not want to feed too much. It is necessary to try for anyone exploring street food in Nigeria for the first time as it is very tasty.

I know that by now, you must have added the above street foods into your bucket list of foods to try in 2024. You should definitely try it. Each one is worth every bite.