Eat Your Fruits And Vegetables
"I love fresh fruit and vegetables. I am not a strict dieter. I don't think that anything in life should be so regimented that you're not having fun or can't enjoy like everybody else. Just know that fresh food is always going to be better for you."
Carrie Ann Inaha
I think we all realize the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. But for some reason, a large percentage of us are not eating the suggested daily servings. The health benefits alone should be reason enough.
Some of the feeble excuses people give for not eating their fruits and vegetables-
The expense-The choice is yours. Fill up on the cheaper fast-food meal filled with fat and chemicals and find yourself hungry again in just a short time. Shop around and find out where you can get the best deals on produce. Paying a little extra to put healthy food in your body is well worth the additional cost.
It takes too much time-Sure it takes a little more time than making a trip through the drive-through or placing an order for a pizza. But the benefits of peeling, slicing, and cooking up some healthy vegetables are well worth it. So at least grab some frozen vegetables and toss them in the microwave.
I like what I like-We all like what we like. But that doesn't mean we can't include some healthy vegetables and fruits into our diet. Sure have your favorite foods, but don't ignore the healthy choices.
I don't like Vegetables-With the variety of vegetables available, I find it hard to believe that a few wouldn't appeal to even the most ardent vegetable haters.
Add a little butter and spices. At least give it a try.
And of course, the age-old stand-by excuses-I'll start Monday or after the holidays. Just grab an apple; it's not that hard. Procrastination is not your friend.
I end up throwing the fresh produce away-The answer to that is to buy more canned or frozen fruit and vegetables and less fresh. Buy only a couple of days worth of fresh produce.
Some tips to help add more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
If you are a snacker, replace a few of your cookies with some fruit. Or some cut-up vegetables like carrots, celery, and green peppers.
Add a salad to either your lunch or dinner. Extra points if you add a salad to both lunch and dinner.
You won't be bored with the large variety of fruits and vegetables. Try some fruits and vegetables you have never tried before.
Have a bowl of fresh fruit readily available and in plain sight.
Here are just a few of the benefits of eating your fruits and vegetables.
Loads of fiber can be found in many fruits and vegetables. And that fiber keeps your digestive system working. And all the fiber may also prevent heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Fruits and vegetables high in fiber include berries, apples, bananas, oranges, broccoli, carrots, kale, and spinach. And that is the shortlist.
You get the best of both worlds; your fruits and vegetables are low-fat and low-calorie, making it easier to drop a couple of pounds if you desire to do so.
Low in cholesterol and sodium. It is good news for those who have to watch their sodium and cholesterol intake.
What could be more convenient than fruits and vegetables? Grab and go. Many vegetables can be sliced and eaten.
Eating fruits and vegetables will provide you with most of the essential minerals and vitamins your body needs to stay healthy.
Protect your eyes by eating citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and carrots. Yes, vegetables and fruits are good for your eye health.
And surprisingly, eating certain vegetables can improve your skin. Avocados and kale can keep your skin more elastic. Cucumbers have a high water count, which can help hydrate your skin.
Your diet can affect your brain too. So be sure and fill up with plenty of leafy green vegetables and berries, all filled with brain-healthy nutrients.
The vitamin C found in broccoli, bell peppers, and oranges helps keep your immune system strong.
You can quickly get in your fruits and vegetables. It's not that hard to have a banana with your breakfast, an apple or orange with your lunch—some grapes or berries for a snack.
Then add a salad with your dinner and a side or two of vegetables, and you have done it! Forget those feeble excuses.
You only need 1 1/2-2 cups of fruit per day and 2-3 cups of vegetables a day. Entirely doable.
"Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for illness."
Edward Stanley
"If we can get people to focus on fruits and vegetables and more healthy food, we'll be better in terms of our healthcare situation."
Tom Vilsack