Healthcare workers know that chronic disease and depression go hand-in-hand. Luckily, health and happiness do too, and I've got 2 very simple, science-backed tips to help you improve both.

How? By eating more fruits and veggies!

While there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the perfect diet, I think we can all agree (except, perhaps, the die-hard carnivore diet enthusiasts) that eating MORE fruits and veggies can help you lose weight and significantly improve your overall health.

So, here are my tips on how to effortlessly incorporate more fruits & veggies into your daily routine without relying on sheer willpower with the help of Environmental Design.

Step 1: Kitchen & Pantry

Start by going through your kitchen & pantry. Take a moment to look around and consider how you can make it easier for yourself to choose fruits and vegetables.

First, buy the stuff that's pre-washed/pre-prepped and ready to consume. Think berries, apples, bags of pea pods, or broccoli florets. The less work required for you to eat healthy, the more likely you are to do so.

Next, place a colorful assortment of your favorite fresh fruits and veggies in a bowl on the kitchen counter. When they're in plain sight, you're more likely to grab them as a snack.

Then, take your fruits and veggies out of those hidden drawers and put them front and center in your fridge. Make them the first things you see when you open the door.

On the flip side, move any tempting, less healthy snacks into those drawers or less accessible spots. Out of sight, out of mind!

Step 2: Your Workspace

Don't stop at the kitchen! Extend this practice to your workspace as well.

Grab your favorite option from the fruit/veggie bowl on your counter, bring it to work, and place it ON your desk where you can see it. This way, you have an obvious healthy option available for any midday cravings.

There's always someone with a candy drawer or jar at work… make sure it's not you! And if possible, put as much distance between yourself and this drawer/jar as possible.

While you could try implementing a fruit/veggie bowl in the breakroom, sometimes it's better to avoid the breakroom altogether, as it's often a dumping ground for leftover holiday treats, donuts from a patient's family, or the sandwich and chip tray from the drug rep - all just staring at you, begging to be eaten. And sure, you might be able to resist the first couple of times you go in there, but how about the 3rd or 4th?

By making these simple changes to your environment, you won't need to rely as heavily on willpower! Your surroundings will gently and subconsciously nudge you toward making easy, convenient, and healthy choices. It's a subtle but powerful way to boost your fruit and veggie intake.

Give it a try and see how it works for you. Small adjustments like these can compound to BIG improvements in your overall health and happiness!

Remember, it's all about making the healthy choice the EASY choice.

If your goal is to get leaner and build sexy curves, I can help with that structured plan. Oh, and you won't have to give up cake either or carbs or any food you don't want to give up. Learn more about my 12 Weeks to Fitness group coaching program here.