FIVE A DAY

Research shows that consuming at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day may reduce the risk of obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and 35 percent or more of all causes of cancer! Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables helps provide many vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and complex carbohydrates. All of which play a role in the everyday functions of our bodies. Consuming five servings a day is a good, simple goal that your Diet Center program can help you meet. However, some people still find it challenging to consume their servings of fruits and vegetables.

Whether you’re home or out, there are many ways to include fruits and vegetables in your day. Try to keep convenient fruits such as bananas, pears or apples around. Fresh vegetables such as baby carrots and salads are available pre-washed and ready to eat. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are also convenient options to have around. If you get bored consuming fresh fruits and vegetables as they are, you can experiment with recipes. Toss fruits on yogurt, cereal, salads, and even meat dishes. Add veggies to entrees and omelets. You can also make dips and salsa.

At restaurants, there may be a limited healthy selection of fruit and vegetable dishes. Don’t be afraid to ask your server what else may be available. Many restaurants have fresh fruits and veggies in the kitchen. Most places are happy to accommodate special requests. Aim for five fruits and vegetables a day to help you achieve a healthy weight and healthy body!

PEACHY NUTRITION

A small peach can be a sweet, nutritious treat. One small peach is low in calories, fat and sodium. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C and provides fiber as well. Vitamin C helps with wound healing, boosts the immune system, and contributes to healthy skin. Fiber helps you feel full, helps control blood sugar levels, and helps reduce the risk of various diseases. Try enjoying a peach with seafood, poultry dishes, salads or cereals for added nutrition. You can also dice up a peach and blend it with a fruity Diet Center Gold Premium Protein Supplement. A small peach can add a little nutrition power that promotes better health and weight loss!

Nutritious Cooked Vegetables!

Did you ever wonder if it’s more nutritious to consume raw versus cooked vegetables? Some may think that raw vegetables are more nutritious because some nutrients are destroyed in the cooking process. This is true when it comes to nutrients such as folate and vitamin C.

However, recent research shows that carotenoids are better absorbed from cooked foods. Carotenoids are subtances in food that have powerful antioxidant properties. They are found in orange, red and yellow fruits and vegetables.

Excellent sources of carotenoids include carrots and tomatoes. Carrots have been found to have higher levels of the carotenoid, beta-carotene, after cooking. Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, becomes more available in tomato products that have been exposed to heat. Corn’s antioxidant properties are also increased the longer it is cooked. So, cooked or raw, you can enjoy vegetables and their nutritious contribution to your diet.