Do you think you are what you eat? How important a role do you think diet plays in your health and longevity? Since we are kept alive by air, water and food, it seems logical to presume that nutrition is a pretty big deal.
It is increasingly obvious that diet and food sources play a key role in health. Chronic, diet-related diseases like diabetes, Celiac disease, food allergies and obesity are costing billions every year – and growing. These conditions are also affecting both quality of life and length of life for the millions living with them.
We say it’s time to do more to support our health at its source. You’ve probably heard of the “Mypyramid.gov” recommendations for 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, along with a whopping 35 grams of fiber. Did you know that 95 percent of us aren’t getting enough fiber? And according to a Centers for Disease Control 2013 report, almost 38 percent of U.S. adults are consuming fruits less than once daily and almost 23 percent of U.S. adults are consuming vegetables less than once daily! At the state level, Michigan was almost “dead-on” with those statistics.
With fall upon us, fresh, local produce will be less available, but there are still lots of options to add nutritious, delicious garden goodies – and fiber – to your diet. Try these two easy fixes, great for snacks or meals, and send your stats soaring!
Fruit and Veggie Power Booster Smoothie
Serves 1 with 2 serving vegetables, 2.5 servings fruit, 7 to 9 g fiber, depending on fruit
Put a ½ cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt or cottage cheese into a blender.
Add 3 handfuls of fresh spinach leaves.
Add ½ banana (depending on your calorie needs).
Add 1 cup fresh or frozen, unsweetened fruit, or combo, any kind
Add 3 tablespoons water
Blend and drink!
Mini Crock Pot Mighty Veggie Soup
Serves 2 dinner portions, 5 servings vegetables, 10+ g fiber
Chop an onion, 3 or 4 carrots and 2 or 3 celery stalks.
ADD YOUR CHOICE OF 2
Chop 1 raw squash, any kind.
Chop 1 parsnip, leek or rutabaga.
Chop 1 potato.
Chop 1 bunch kale.
Place all in a small crock pot.
Add 2 to 3 cups water, or chicken or vegetable broth from a can.
Season with basil, a little salt or salt substitute, pepper.
ADD a can of diced tomatoes if you like them.
Cook all day on low-med.
1 to 2 hours before serving, throw in ½ bag of frozen mixed veggies or green beans and stir. Continue cooking until your meal. Enjoy!
