The Eating Buddy – Fruits and Vegetables

This is a start of a new series called “The Eating Buddy.” In this fitness journey I have had a lot of questions about nutrition or what can/cannot eat and so on. Truthfully I did much more research on the fitness side during this journey, but now I am starting to get caught up on the food side. So there is no better time to come out with The Eating Buddy blogs.

This new series starts with fruits and vegetables.

Needless to say most of us do not get enough fruits and vegetable in our diets. I know French Fries are potatoes but really do you think frying a potato really counts? The hope is with the following series of post about fruits and vegetables will inspire you to add more fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you don’t listen to me, think back to what your mom use to say “EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES!” You really can’t go wrong with any fruit or vegetable you choose.

Why eat fruits and vegetables?

1. They are low in calories
2. They are high in fiber
3. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
4. They help prevent heart disease and stroke
5. They help control blood pressure
6. They ward off certain cancers
7. They protect vision
8. They help gastrointestinal tract stay healthy

Need any other reasons?

Serving size: Make a fist and that is about a serving. A fist is about one cup.

Above I mentioned French Fries not really being a vegetable here are some other items to watch out for that mask themselves as a healthy choice.

• Frozen, canned, dried or juices. Most of these products have extra calories and sugars put into them, defeating the purpose of the fruit or vegetable.
• Plus when the fruit or vegetable comes in one of these forms they generally will have less fiber compared to the fresh versions.

Organic or non-organic? (Organic usually means less pesticides used when growing the product)

Best Non-Organic – Least likely to contain pesticides

• Broccoli
• Onions
• Avocados
• Cabbage
• Bananas
• Mangos
• Kiwis
• Asparagus
• Eggplant Pineapple

Best Organic – Most likely to contain pesticides

• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Apples
• Peaches
• Carrots
• Nectarines
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Lettuce
• Potatoes

If you can find a local farmers market (They are all over the place.) The benefits besides lower pesticides, you are supporting local farmers, fresher, generally cheaper than the local store, meet some nice people and you are out in the fresh air.

Until next time this is your Fitness Buddy!