When it comes to creating a healthy, well-balanced diet for your journey toward improved weight and health, it’s important not to overlook the importance of fruits and vegetables!
Sure, sure. Everyone knows that these two food groups are crucial to achieving a clean and healthy lifestyle when it comes to food, but just how much do you know about them? Fortunately, this September is “More Matters Month,” and we’re giving you the need-to-know basics on nutrition for these power-packed produce options!
How Much do You Know about Fruits and Veggies?
First, let’s test your knowledge. Did you know that fewer than one in four adults eat the recommended amount of fruit per day? Similarly, only one in seven eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables.
What’s the good news? Communities, health professionals, businesses and families can work together to encourage people to eat more of them.
Now, let’s look at some of the powerful nutritional benefits that these food groups can provide:
- Load up on antioxidants – Many fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants which help your body fight off a wide range of illnesses and chronic diseases. They can also boost your immune system and improve your skin!
- Reduce your calorie intake – By substituting many snacks and side dishes with a healthy supply of fruits and vegetables, you can reduce the number of calories you consume. Eating produce is a lean, healthy option composed of natural sugars and healthy fats that won’t tip you over on your daily calorie range.
- Feel satisfied with fiber – Hunger is an important issue for many people who are trying to lose weight. Eating plenty of fiber (which comes from fiber-rich foods such as carrots, broccoli and spinach) can help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods of time. They’ll also help regulate your digestive system!
- Improve your cholesterol – Produce has many unique properties such as as being able to raise levels of HDL (good cholesterol) while lowering LDL (bad cholesterol). Avocados and grapes are an excellent example.
- Reinvigorate with vitamins – Fruits and vegetables are packed full of all kinds of vitamins, depending on the kind you eat. For example, kiwis and watermelon are rich in vitamin C (which boosts your immune system, improves blood flow, helps fight off stress, etc.) while spinach and sweet potatoes have plenty of vitamin B (among other vitamins) that provide us with enough energy to fuel our day.
How Can You be a Part of “More Matters Month?”
- Encourage your family to make small changes to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals and snacks.
- Plant a garden full of your favorite types of produce – you’ll have fun nurturing your plants AND growing your own healthy food! For tips on planting your own container garden, please CLICK HERE.
- Spread the word about programs that support local agriculture.
Do you have any favorite recipes or ideas that you use to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet? Share with us in the comments below!
