Velocity Fitness

2). Strive for FIVE!

Carrots, apples, brussel sprouts…oh, my.

Fruits and veggies hold a holy grail-like place in our diets. We mean to get them, we know we should, but we largely don’t (and no, iceberg lettuce and potato chips don’t count). The USDA says we need at least five servings each day, preferably between five and nine servings. Why? Truth is, our bodies really need the antioxidants fruits and veggies pack to combat those darned free radicals that are ever-present in the environment – even in our bodies – that destroy cell walls and even our DNA. Increased risk of cancer, higher cholesterol and damage to joint cartilage are just a few nasty manfestations of free radical damage to our bodies.

How:

Eat more meals at home (or FROM home). Recent studies show that women who eat out more than five times a week consume an average of 300 calories more per day, and less-healthy foods than those who gnoshed more often at/from home. Take a look at the produce section of local grocery stores – I’ve seen a plentitude of fabulous fruits/veggies already cut, washed and bagged for no-prep cooking and easy salad assembly.

Go for color. Fruits/veggies with rich hues are not only beauties to behold, they’re even prettier once inside you: antioxidants abound in the natural deep greens of spinach, reds and oranges of peppers and beautiful blues/reds/purples of berries and grapes.

Try one new fruit or veggie each week. If you resolve to branch out, it’s another goal reached every week! Check out fruitsveggiesmorematters.org for great prep and storage tips, what’s-in-season lists and tons of cool recipes. While you’re at it, re-acquaint yourself with the USDA’s new food pyramid so you’ll know your stuff for healthy – and frugal – shopping when you hit the produce section.

Stay strong!