HEALTH TIP #8:

Get low down on vegetables and fruit

Are you getting the recommended 7-10 portions of vegetables and fruit per day? If not, make it your long term goal. These delicious and colorful foods are packed with important nutrients that are good for your health, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.

What is considered a portion of vegetable and fruit? ½ cup of fresh, frozen or canned vegetables and fruit, ½ cup of cooked leafy vegetables, 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables, 1 medium size fruit and 125 mL (½ cup) of 100% juice.

Here is how you can easily increase your portions of vegetables and fruit in your day:

·         Start you day right by having a fruit at breakfast

·         Have one vegetable or fruit at each meal

·         Work towards half of your mealtime plate being covered with vegetables or fruit

·         Make sure your snacks contain one vegetable or fruit

Remember that it is also important to incorporate a variety of vegetables and fruit in your diet that are prepared with little or no added fat, sugar or salt.

Food for thought: 56.2% of Canadians (age 12+) consume fewer than five servings of vegetables and fruit per day.

www.360healthmanagement.com