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Fruits and Veggies – More is Better!

 

fruits and veggies


Most Americans think of fruits and vegetables as low-calorie foods that promote weight loss. But the power of plants to heal, revive and rejuvenate has long been known to man. Sure, eating more of these nutritional powerhouses will make the job of weight management easier, but when you delve deeper into the secrets of these foods, you will see that the benefits of a plant-rich diet go way beyond the scale.

 

Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” But did you know you can eat your way to lower blood pressure, improved glucose tolerance, and lower cholesterol, as well as better sleep, digestion and energy? The magic pill is in the apple... and the kale and the beets and the sweet potatoes.

If your idea of veggies is a bag of tiny frozen multicolored chunks you put in the microwave and scarf down under sauce – there’s an undiscovered world of delight waiting just for you. If you’ve made the decision to improve your diet, then learning how to pick, prepare, and eat more fruits and vegetables will be your key to long-term success.

This week, investigate your local farmers’ market. It’s the harvest of the season and a great time to check out the bounty of fruit and vegetables available in your area. Going to the market can be a fun family event as well as an educational experience for all. Meeting your local growers creates a sense of community, and you might be surprised at how good it feels to pay the person who actually harvested your lunch!

Supporting local farms by joining a CSA is another fantastic way to make sure your kitchen is stocked with the freshest local produce your money can buy. Farmers sell shares to the public and every shareholder gets a fresh box of produce a week (many farms offer fall/winter shares, in addition to spring/summer shares). Some CSAs offer home delivery, too! If a whole share is too much for your family, consider splitting a share with your neighbor. Either way, you will be challenged to come up with new recipes as the fruits and veggies roll in. Canning and preserving surplus is a great way to save money, too.

All HMR Programs support increased consumption of fruits and veggies as a key way to manage your calorie intake, your weight and your health. When it comes to fruits and veggies, More is Better!

 

 
 

by luv2run on 09/12/2012 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: Weight-Loss, HMR, strategies, nutrition

About the Author

Alison Hatfield

Alison came to HMR as a Health Educator in 2005. Since then, she's worked in Sales, Legal, Marketing, & IT. Some say she’s worn many hats, but she’s better known at the office for her shoe collection! Her love of shoes is surpassed by her passion for health & she feels fortunate to have found a home at HMR.

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