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Oct 9, 2009 5:49 am US/Central
Expert Tips On Eating More Fruits & Vegetables
PLANO (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Most people don't get their recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. "Probably because I'm always eating on the go," said one woman.
"I don't get five servings," said another man. "I might get one or two big servings."
In fact, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 33 percent of adults eat the suggested two or more servings of fruit, and only 27 percent get the recommended three or more servings of vegetables.
"I know I need to do better," said local resident King Hollis. "It's mainly just time."
"I think fast food has made it easy just to grab whatever instead of vegetables," said local resident Kelly Jandrucko.
Megan Moore is a registered dietician at Baylor Medical Center Plano. She has some advice to help people get their fill of fruits and vegetables. "Start at breakfast," she said. "Don't skip breakfast and just get in one small serving. So, it can be just a small banana or a tablespoon of raisins in your oatmeal. It could be an apple on your way out the door."
"And then at lunch, if you can, get in two vegetables," Moore continued. "So, whether it's a can of soup or a salad."
"And then at dinner, get in two vegetables," Moore said, "and don't be afraid to use those steamed microwavable of frozen vegetables. Whatever's going to make it easiest for your family is fine."
But if you're still struggling to get enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, be creative. Try applesauce or salsa. They can count toward your five servings a day. "These are so easy to stick in lunchboxes," said Moore. "You might lose a little fiber, but you'll still get the nutrition."
Moore also suggests, for variety, picking produce that is in season. "Something seasonal like butternut squash. Arugula is in season. Sweet potatoes. Even something easy on the run, like grapes. Stick them in your lunchbox," she said.
It might take a little bit of planning, but it is worth it for a healthy and balanced diet.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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