25/06/2017
We all know that it's important to eat plenty of fruit and veges, particularly veges as part of an overall healthy diet. But how many of us really do eat the recommended daily minimum? According to research done by CSIRO whilst Australians have easy access to high-quality fruit and vegetables, the majority of adults don’t meet the Australian Dietary Guidelines for their age and gender. Only 24% of women and 15% of men are meeting both the fruit and vegetable guidelines. (Check out the CSIRO findings for yourself -https://www.totalwellbeingdiet.com/media/659795/fruit-vegetables-and-diet-score-april-2017.pdf ). What does this mean for our children if parents aren't eating enough? ....
Fruits and Veges contain micro and phyto nutrients, vitamins and minerals which are vital for the health and maintenance of our bodies, and people who don't consume enough have an increased risk of a whole range of issues, from low energy to chronic disease. Choosing to consume a higher % of veges and fruit is beneficial in lowering your caloric intake as the majority are nutrient dense but low in calories per cup than other not so healthy choices such as processed and fast foods.
Here's some tips for making what you eat work for you:
~ Most veges are naturally low in fat and calories and none have cholesterol.
~ Diets rich in potassium may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of kidney stones and help maintain bone density. (Vege sources include spinach, beet greens, sweet potatos, potatos, white beans, tomatos, soybeans, lima beans, lentils, and kidney beans.
~ Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and veges may protect against certain types of cancer.
~ Veges contain fiber and fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Anyone who has suffered with constipation, etc can benefit from added fiber to ensure proper bowel function. Enoying a high fiber diet will provide you with a feeling of fullness.
~ Fruits and veges containing antioxidants and Vitamin A help maintain healthy eyes, skin and everything in between. They also protect against infections.
~ Fruits and veges containing Vitamin C help the bodies healing process and keep teeth and gums healthy. Vitamin C also aids iron absorption.
~ Eat a wide range of fruits, at least a minimum of 2 serves per day.
~ Eat a wide range of veges, at least a minimum of 5 serves per day with a minimum of 3 types at dinner:
For whatever reason many people are simply not eating enough and suffering the side effects - low energy, poor quality of sleep, skin break-outs, weak hair and nails, and in extreme cases disease. If you are not achieving even the minimum 7 servings of fruit and veges a day, you are not alone. Adding a natural wholefood supplement such as juice plus to your daily routine will bridge the gap between what you should be eating and what you need to be eating daily to maintain good health.
What else can you do?
>>> If you are time poor
Set a few hours aside once a week and do meal prep for the week. Invest in some containers that you can freeze your meals into so that they are ready to go. It will prevent you grabbing for less than nourishing options if the good stuff is already prepared and ready to go.
>>> If you are simply a fussy eater
Start experimenting with new ways to prepare and enjoy fruit and veges and endeavour to add at least one new one daily. One simple change a day, and realise that taste buds change over time. Just because you didn't like something once, doesn't mean that you won't now. Always try again.
We only have one body and if we keep fueling it with the right foods, it will reward us with good health right into our twilight years. (y)
To find out more about Juice Plus and the clinical studies done by universities and medical centres around the globe, visit - http://bit.ly/letsgetjuicy
