The Adventures of Healthier Eating
By Linda Jean, Registered Dietician, North Shore Campus
Are fruits and vegetables as good for you as mom said they were? The answer is yes! Mom was absolutely correct when she urged you to finish all your spinach and eat an “apple a day”. Fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease. They help keep the intestinal tract healthy and provide essential vitamins and minerals for the entire body. Making smart, nutritional food choices doesn’t have to be a complicated process. In fact, small changes can create a healthier eating style, which over time will result in a healthier lifestyle.
Consider the following:
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
- Focus on fresh fruits
- Try an assortment of vegetables
- Incorporate whole grains into your daily meals
- Move to low-fat and fat-free dairy
- Add different portion sources such as nuts, beans, etc.
- Add seasonings to jazz up a dish
- Limit foods high in saturated fat and added sugars
Why not try a new fruit, vegetable or spice on a weekly basis? You never know what succulent tastes you will encounter and, most importantly, eating new foods eliminates the boredom of having the same items day after day. Savor new flavors and enjoy the adventures of healthier eating!
