Are You Eating Fruits and Veggies?


According to a recent telephone survey we are eating even fewer fruits and vegetables than we were 10 years ago. And yet a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for a healthy weight and prevention of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancers, and other health complications. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet includes 8-10 fruit and vegetable servings daily!

Serving Sizes
Let’s review of what counts as one serving:

Fruit:
1 medium-sized whole fruit
½ cup canned, fresh, or frozen fruit
4 oz fruit juice
¼ cup dried fruit

Vegetables:
1 cup raw leafy vegetables
½ cup cut up raw or canned vegetables
½ cup vegetable juice

Tips to Boost Fruit and Vegetable Intake

1. Keep a bowl of whole fruit on the table or counter as a visual reminder and quick easy grab.
2. Purchase dried, frozen and canned fruit (packed in its on juice or light syrup) along with fresh fruit so you always have a fruit option on hand.
3. Stock up on frozen vegetables, which are quick and easy to microwave.
4. Buy fresh veggies that are easy to prepare, such as pre-washed bags of leafy greens.
5. Get in the habit of having at least one fruit or vegetable with every meal and snack.

If you have a quick and easy tip for adding fruits and veggies to your diet please share it below!

About the blogger: 
Learn more about Lisa Nelson RD at http://www.reallivingnutrition.com/LisaNelson.aspx. Lisa is also the founder and owner of HeartHealthMadeEasy.com offering support, education, and guidance as you achieve your heart health and weight loss goals. Receive regular heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson when you subscribe to The Heart of Health, and the free special report "How to Make Heart Healthy Changes into Lifelong Habits" at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com/.