Fruits and Veggies - More Matters

September is Fruits and Veggies --  More Matters Month. And eating more fruits and veggies really does matter. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating plenty of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy eating pattern. Healthy eating patterns include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy foods while limiting added sugars, solid fats, and sodium. Choosing a healthy eating pattern can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and overweight/obesity.
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 Start eating more fruits and veggies by filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Here is a “garden dinner” I put together with tomatoes, broccoli, and potatoes (yes, I put a little low-fat sour cream and cheese on my potato) – all from the garden. Simple, low cost, and nutrient packed.
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Have a snack of cut vegetables and hummus.

Or try a different color each day – green,

yellow/orange,
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red,

blue/purple,

or even white

Vegetables and fruits are nutrient packed providing fiber, potassium, vitamins A and C, and folate. And beyond their health promoting benefits they add color and texture, not to mention flavor to your diet. So start eating more today.