Healthy Eating: Increasing Fruits and Vegetables

2 comments April 9th, 2009

Increasing your fruit and vegetable daily intake is an important goal for most anyone.  Most of us do not get the recommended amounts. Studies show that the average intake is 2 to 3 servings instead of the 5 to 9 servings (4 ½ cups) recommended.

Most of us realize that we do in fact, need to increase our intake of fruits and vegetables, but we do not realize the impact that changing this little dietary habit could make on our health. 

There are many antioxidants and phytochemicals (chemicals that are present in addition to vitamins and minerals) in fruits and vegetables that promote health.  These bioactive components are usually connected to the bright colors found in fruits and vegetables, so it does make good sense to eat a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables every day.  Science has determined that as little as one serving a week of a cruciferous vegetable could lower your risk for cancer. Examples of cruciferous vegetables are: broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, etc.  Three or more servings a week lower your risk for prostate cancer and five or more servings lower your risk for bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Carotenoids are another class of phytochemicals. There are more than 650 carotenoid compounds that provide much of nature’s coloration and aromas in fruits and vegetables.

In the Midwest we are very fortunate to be able to grow wonderful tasting and healthy fruits and vegetables. We have local growers who are working hard to provide fresh produce for us to purchase at local farmers markets and at roadside markets and farms.  

It is also predicted that there will be an increase interest this year in consumers who will plant a garden or at least plant a few vegetables or herbs in among their landscape. Also it is very easy to plant a few vegetables in a container on your patio or near your back door. Getting kids involved in the process also added benefit and interest to the process.

University of Illinois Extension has master gardeners available to give guidance to first time and seasoned growers.  

Increasing fruits and vegetables in the daily diet can be an easy habit to establish, especially during the summer, and one that will benefit the entire family.  

Another reminder that I need new gym clothes

Add comment April 9th, 2009

Adidas has launched a new line of sustainable yoga wear. According to the press release:

Apparel is made from soft Tencel® fabric, a renewable raw material from eucalyptus wood harvested in Forest Stewardship Council-certified, responsibly managed forests.

All prints are water-based, and all trims, such as bra straps, are made from recycled materials.

The apparel products also include a small amount of Elastane, which though not a sustainable fiber, is necessary to ensure great comfort, fit and performance, which are key to this performance yoga range.

The Yatra sandal is made from natural canvas, recycled textile and recycled rubber with natural wood pulp insoles for maximum comfort.

Looks like the shirt is $65 and the sandals are $70, for example.

Never heard of designer Rainbeau Mars before, but see her doing yoga here.