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Making Fruits and Vegetables the Easy Choice by Johanna Hicks

Making Fruits and Vegetables the Easy Choice by Johanna Hicks
  • PublishedApril 14, 2017


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In Texas, three out of four deaths are attributed to a chronic disease.  However, studies show an intake of at least two and half cups of vegetables and fruits per day as part of a healthy eating pattern can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.  We know a healthy eating pattern including fruits and vegetables can help to lower risks of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.  Lifestyles are hectic; however, increasing fruit and vegetables can be easy.  Choose fruit and vegetables to start the day.  The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests a few tips for making fruits and vegetables the easy choice!

Choose to make half your plate fruits and vegetables. The rest of your plate should be one-quarter grains and one-quarter protein foods with low-fat dairy on the side.  MyPlate is a guide to making a healthy meal yet not every meal will look like MyPlate.  For example a sandwich may not fit in each portion of the plate; however, making a sandwich with whole grain bread, lean protein, a slice of low-fat cheese, and adding lots of vegetables with a side of fruit make a healthy plate.

Choose a variety of colors. The colors in fruit and vegetables are not just to make them look pretty.  Fruit and vegetable colors are complex and those colors pack a healthy punch in reducing the risk of developing various chronic diseases.  Be sure to vary the colors on your plate.

Choose whole fruits and vegetables over juice.  Children and adults eat most of their fruits and vegetables in the form of fruit juice, which can contain added sugars and make it higher in calories.  Choosing whole fruits and vegetables provides fiber, less added sugar, vitamins, and minerals.  Eating patterns high in these nutrients have shown to reduce the risk of developing certain cancers.

Choose to prep your snacks ahead of time.  Busy schedules can sometimes mean reaching for unhealthy snacks.  During the weekend, package small snack bags of bell peppers, carrots, strawberries, or your favorite fruit or vegetable for the week.  Place them in a spot you can see in the refrigerator.  This may help to limit choosing less healthful and tempting snacks!

Choose to make fruits and vegetables exciting.  Create a fruit and veggie contest.  Making fruits and vegetables part of a child’s healthy eating pattern establishes positive behaviors early.  Children learn

from watching you.  Try having a fruit and veggie contest once a week.  It can be a simple game of name five blue fruits!  The prize could be choosing the fruit for dessert tonight.

Choose to flavor your water.  Flavored drinks are in every grocery store.   However, they can be full of added calories.  You can make your own flavored water by freezing diced fruits or vegetables and adding them to your water.   When you finish your water have the fruit or vegetable as a snack!  It can be as easy as freezing slices of cucumber or whole raspberries and adding them to your water!

Choose fruit and vegetables to start the day.  Fruits can be an easy choice at breakfast.  However, mix in some vegetables too.   Try adding spinach to your eggs, avocado to your toast, or tomatoes to a breakfast sandwich.   Choosing fruits and vegetables can be an easy task, if you plan and prepare healthy options in advance. Making small creative changes can benefit your overall health.  Overtime choosing more fruits and vegetables can help prevent chronic disease.

 

Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop

Calls have been coming in for the Saturday, May 20th session, but we still have plenty of room!  The marriage education workshop covers marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals and dreams.  Engaged couples will be given a certificate at the conclusion of the workshop to save $60 (the state portion) when applying for a marriage license.  And…lunch is provided!  That’s a win-win situation!

There is no fee for the workshop, but couples are requested to call 903-885-3443 to sign up so adequate preparations can be made.

 

Closing Thought


A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him – David Brinkley

 

Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Family & Consumer Sciences Agent

P.O. Box 518

1200-B W. Houston

Sulphur Springs, TX 75483

Phone: 903-885-3443

Fax: 903-439-4909

jshicks@ag.tamu.edu

 

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