Why the continuing emphasis on these foods?  They contribute to better health and more energy.  More scientific studies are finding that eating increased quantities of fruits and vegetables may help include lessening the changes of some cancers, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, macular degeneration, brain function and obesity.

Does it matter which fruits and vegetables you eat?  Yes and no.  All produce counts.  However, the orange and dark green vegetables and dried peas and beans are being given greater emphasis, as they are not eaten as frequently.  They also are sources of nutrients that tend to be lacking in the diets of many of us.

Set a goal to eat each week:

2 cups dark green vegetables
1.5 cups orange vegetables
2.5 cups dry beans and peas
5.5 cups other vegetables
10.5 cups of any fresh, frozen or canned fruit

Get out your pen and paper, organizer or whatever else works best to keep a running tally for one week of the fruits and vegetables and their amounts that you eat.  Compare your totals to the goals listed above.

Here are a few suggestions for easy ways to get more fruits and veggies:

·Buy pre-washed bags of salad greens (select the darker green varieties)
·Add fruit, beans and colorful vegetables to your salad
·Keep frozen vegetables on hand and microwave a portion for a snack
·Carry baby carrots with you for a crunchy, sweet, low-calorie snack
·Keep small cans of reduced-sodium vegetable juice available for a quick, refreshing drink.