5 a day

Fruits & Veggies — More Matters™ is a dynamic health initiative that consumers will see in stores, online, at home and on packaging. It replaces the existing 5 A Day awareness program and will leverage the 5 A Day heritage and success to further inspire and support consumers to eat more fruits and vegetables, showcasing the unrivaled combination of great taste, nutrition, abundant variety, and various product forms (fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice). It also will build upon the body of science that indicates that increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables may help prevent many chronic diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) are leading this initiative and are in partnership with other health organizations. The goal is to achieve increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables.

(from the CDC via fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov)

This government resource is a fantastic place to learn about fruit and vegetables and incorporate 5 day into your day.  I know though, that 5 a day is daunting!  And could be so expensive!  So even if it's three or four a day,  fruit and veggies add so much to your health.  The website explains:

"Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers."

Something I'm learning over and over in my classes is that so many people get diseases that are preventable.  And some start with eating right and exercising.  I would definitely recommend you browse this website, as it has many resources. 

Here are some tips on incorporating fruits and veggies in your day:

1.  take a few minutes on Sunday evening or at night to fill snack baggies with carrots, snap peas, peppers, etc., and set them all together in the fridge.  That way, in the morning when you're grabbing lunch, you can add some veggies to your lunch.  Fruit is a little more tricky since it can oxidize faster, but try grapes (16, to be exact) or bananas in your lunch, as they are easier to prepare.  Apples are also pre-packaged, so to speak, as are little oranges and plums.  (I got this idea from one of my teachers...I am going to try it!)

2.  You can use a snack container of applesauce or mixed fruit (try to find ones packaged without heavy syrups and a lot of sugar)...those count as a 1/2 cup equivalent of fruit. 

3.  Dried cranberries/ any-other-dried-things you like... anyone?  They are pretty good and you only need a 1/4 cup for a serving! 

4.  V8 fuision juice.  One serving (8 oz) counts as both a serving of fruit and vegetables.  This juice, however, can be kind of pricey.  (which I know doesn't exactly match the goal).  But, if you just drink a serving whenever you didn't incorporate other forms into your day, this can be a great source for you.

With a lot of fruits and veggies, it can seem (and it is) sometimes expensive to buy enough for three or four servings a day.  Think of it though as an investment.  Not only are you investing in your health, but eating fruits and veggies fill you up more than some of the cheaper food, meaning you could eat twice as much of something less healthy, costing the same or more.  Start small, and try and build up to it.

The CDC has more tips that this.  Check them out! 

The name of this blog was inspired mostly by the "five a day".  It is an excellent campaign, but it can be very daunting.  A pomegranate to me was something good, but so unpractical.  Especially not in season, they can be expensive.  But I love most things pomegranate.  So the goal is to try and get us to the five a day, if not even four or three.  Everything counts!

Just make sure you find low sugar/sugar free/low syrupy fruit and veggies!