As far as we are concerned, every day should be National Eat Your Vegetables Day! There is truly no excuse for people not eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day of the week, but, alas, there are people who don’t like fresh produce. This day exists to remind people how important it is to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Have a fruit or vegetable with every meal today, or go fully plant-based and comprise your meals entirely of different produce items.
Whether you are eating a giant salad for your meal or snacking on apples with raw almond butter, fresh produce items contain essential nutrients that the body needs to function optimally. Each fruit and vegetable has its own unique nutritional content. Some have an array of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron, while others are loaded with vitamins A, C, E, and K. Most fruits and vegetables are also rich in dietary fiber, which is necessary for healthy digestion.
When you have a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet, you can help lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and obesity. A plant-based diet is also a great way to keep your body in an alkaline state, which also helps to fight off diseases.
The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that each American consume 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. While this may depend on weight and age, there’s nothing wrong with having too many fruits and vegetables in your diet. You’ll only feel good!
When it comes to introducing your kids to fruits and vegetables, use them in unique and creative ways. Smoothies are great because you can sneak different vegetables in them. You can add carrots, spinach, broccoli, or even lettuce to smoothies that contain strawberries, blueberries, apple, and banana.
Celebrate today by making some plant based meals. Visit our recipe section for inspiration.
