Is your state meeting its fruit and veggie goal?

The answer is no. According to Healthy People 2010, there is not one state in the country that meets the national goals for daily fruit and vegetable consumption. The goals are 2 fruits a day and 3 vegetables a day.

As seen in this chart, we are 50% below these goals.

Sorry news for March as it's National Nutritional Month®

Eating healthy requires eating fruits and vegetables, not vitamins, not supplements, not veggie drinks.

Produce provide us with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plenty of disease-fighting antioxidants. In fact, it's well established that people who eat vegetables daily, as part of an overall healthy diet, are likely to reduce their risk of many chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Here are few health tips that may come in handy next time you are at the grocery store:

1. Look for fresh fruits and vegetables when you can. In colder months, canned fruits and vegetables can be a great option, but be sure to look for labels that read "packed in its own juices" or "unsweetened." You'll save on calories and get a truer taste.


2. Frozen vegetables and fruits are also a wonderful option, especially in the winter months. Look for "naked" vegetables, rather than vegetables in cream or cheese sauces. Go a clean taste and you get way fewer calories.


3. Canned soups and vegetables can be quick and easy, the healthiest option is to choose low-sodium versions.

*Tips adapted from the ADA

The oldest food known to man may be the best.

Fresh and dried fruits were the staple of early man. In ancient times, fruits were considered to have magical properties. Perhaps we should give fruits their due reverence for what they consistently deliver to our bodies: substantial quantities of essential nutrients. Plus fruits are very easily digested and exercise a cleansing effect on the blood and the digestive systems.

Why eat fruit?

• Eat a lot of fruit and you will naturally enjoy better health.
• Fruits have a hydrating effect helping the body to absorb the sugar and minerals directly from the fruit.
• Fruits also have a diuretic and alkanising effect and the fibres promote good intestinal elimination.
• Fruits are easily and quickly digestible, they are a source of instant heat and energy. Fruits also have a natural laxative effect. The fibrous matter in fruits aids in the smooth passage of food in the digestive track and easy bowel action. The sugars and organic acids contained in the fruits also increase their laxative effect, especially in papaya and guavas.
• Fruits are best eaten in their natural form. Nutrients are lost when fruits are baked or cooked.
• Always eat fruits before other foods because they digest faster.