It is a no-brainer that the foundation of a healthy body is an excellent diet. It is also well established that a healthy diet consists of a large amount of fruits and vegetables. Some of the well-known benefits of a diet containing a high percentage of veggies and fruit are lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, decreased chances of suffering a stroke, protection from some forms of cancer, and a lowered risk for developing certain eye problems and digestive problems. Eating lots of veggies and fruit also affect the blood sugar level helping to curb the appetite, which in turn helps to control overeating.
So how much veggies are enough? According to studies it has been shown that a person should try and eat at least nine servings each day of vegetables and fruit. (That is about 4.5 cups.) Potatoes are not counted in this equation. It is best to try and vary the types of veggies and fruits eaten to assure the ingestion of a variety of vitamins and minerals which are often found in higher quantities of some vegetables and fruits, but less in others. What to look for in a vegetable or fruit? Dark, leafy greens are great, cooked tomatoes and fruits and vegetables with rich deep colors like yellow, red and orange are good choices.
OK, you are convinced, but how to make sure to eat so many vegetables and fruits during the course of the day? Here are some tips to getting those important veggies and fruits that you need so badly.
- Don’t hide the fruit in the fridge. Keep it out on the counter so when you are in the mood for a snack, it’s there right under your nose.
- Eat a fruit and a side of vegetables at every meal, each and every day. Salads, stir-fry and other vegetable-based entrees will help you more easily meet the goal.
- Go exploring down the produce aisle of the supermarket. Find something new and take it home. Try it, you might like it!
No related posts.