LRVNA: September is Fruit and Veggies Month

MEREDITH – The Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association is participating in Fruit and Veggie-More Matters Month.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services hope that everyone will start eating more fruits and vegetables to benefit from the many health benefits they can provide. People who eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help lower their risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, obesity and high blood pressure.

Here are some ideas to help you and your family fit more fruits and vegetables into your day:

• Cut up fruits and veggies ahead of time so they’re ready for quick, healthy snacks.

• Keep a bowl of fruit handy where the whole family can see it.

• Keep dried fruit in your car or purse.

• Pack pre-cut fruit and veggies into snack-size bags for perfectly-portioned munchies. Keep them eye level in the fridge for easy access.

The LRVNA team of nurses encourages everyone to try and incorporate a few of these routines into your daily life starting this September! Studies show that most Americans do not consume enough potassium, calcium, vitamin D or dietary fiber. Eating fresh is best. Many canned and frozen vegetables often are full of sodium, so always best to eat fresh. The same is true with fruits. Canned and frozen fruits many contain added sugars that add calories. One cup of canned sliced peaches in heavy syrup has about 46 grams of sugar, while an actual peach has only 13 grams of sugar. Eating fresh is the bottom line.