7.14.2011

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables


Vegetables and fruits are loaded with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) as well as phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that are essential for optimal physiological functioning.
Proteins and grains are acidic; vegetables and fruits are alkaline.  It is important to balance the acidic load that protein and grains present to the blood with alkaline-rich vegetables and fruits.  Too much acid and not enough alkalinity leads to the loss of bone strength and muscle mass.  Be sure you are balanced.
A simple way to make sure you are getting enough vegetables is to consume 1-3 servings (a serving is about 1/2 cup) with every eating opportunity (4-6 meals/day).  Your goal is to get to 10-15 servings, or 5 to 7 1/2 cups per day.  You can supplement a couple of these servings with a high-quality greens supplement.
Are you or your children not particularly fond of vegetables?  Try this: Grate 2 cups total of onions, garlic, carrots, beets, and zucchini and then sauté the grated vegetables in 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.  Add 4 cups of a basic low-sugar, low-sodium marinara sauce and simmer.