The Importance Of Eating Fruits And Vegetables

When discussing the importance of fruits and vegetables, it’s important to note that the new food guidelines issued by the United States government recommend that all Americans eat between five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Although that may seem like a lot, it’s much easier than you think to fit that many servings of important fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.

One of the best things about fruits and vegetables is that they’re very accessible. Fruits and vegetables are some of the most plentiful, nutrient rich foods in the supermarket. With all these fruits and vegetables to choose from, it is very easy to make these nutritious, delicious foods part of your daily meals and snacks.

Think about serving size

So many people want to eat healthy, but they don’t realize how much serving sizes factor into that. When it comes to eating the right portions of fruits and vegetables, take the recommended amount into account.

When you think about how much a serving really is, it is actually quite easy to get five to nine servings of these foods per day. For instance, the recommended daily amount equates to a quite reasonable two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables every day. When you consider how many healthy foods are available and how accessible they usually are, it is easy to see how reaching this daily goal is reasonable.

Consider purchasing a serving size container that will provide you with guidance when you’re packing your lunch in the morning. Another great way to incorporate fruits and vegetables is to add them into a smoothie.

Incorporate variety

One great way to get the nutrients you need from healthy foods every day is to take full advantage of the variety of foods available. Eating the same thing every day quickly becomes boring, so why not pick a variety of fruits and vegetables to give yourself a varied diet every day?

Consider trying a fruit you never have before or picking up a new vegetable from the store.

Get creative in the kitchen

Finding new recipes is another great way to ensure you get those important five to nine servings every day. Everyone likes to try out new recipes and these new recipes may just provide the encouragement you need to eat all those fruits and veggies. Consider doing an online search to see how you can tie together your favorite ingredients.

New recipes can also provide you the important opportunity to try out some fruits and vegetables you have never tried before. Most people have had iceberg lettuce, but how about spinach or kale? Trying new things is a great way to find new favorites while getting the best nutrition available.

If you’re feeling uncertain about ways to find new recipes, consider reaching out to the UP team. We have extensive experience helping our clients construct the right diets and come up with successful meal plans.

Think about your vitamins

Many people mistakenly think that they do not need to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day if they just take a vitamin supplement. However, this isn’t true. Vitamins can be extremely helpful, but they aren’t intended to be a complete substitute for other forms of nutrients.

Fruits and vegetables contain far more than the micronutrients identified by science and synthesized in vitamin pills. While these micronutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E, are important to good health, so are the hundreds of other elements contained in healthy foods. While vitamins can be helpful and are recommended in many cases, it’s important that you continue to eat healthy foods.

Need help creating a plan?

Learning the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet is something you won’t regret. If you’re wanting some extra support, you can make an appointment to speak with someone on our staff.

Don’t forget the importance of eating five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. It may seem like a lot, but you can meet this quite reasonable goal simply by including these foods as snacks, garnishes, side dishes, and meals.