In an unsurprising study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released stats that showed a growing concern when it comes to the health of Americans. Yes, some Americans are consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, but not nearly enough. At most, 17.7 percent of Californians consumed the proper recommendations for their fruit and veggies, but that did little to stem the bigger concern. More than 76 percent of Americans are not consuming enough fruit and even a larger number of Americans, 87 percent, are not meeting their vegetable intake.
With more fast food chains sprouting across the country and the mad-dash of busy workers, many people are losing out on valuable nutrients as these delicious choices start rotting across markets and grocery chains.
The study implores healthier choices need to increase to prevent diseases that may afflict the youth later in life, and affect adults experiencing preventable health issues. Viral Global News had the pleasure to visit local fruit/veg markets and speak to local growers to receive great tips and ideas on how these forgone choices can become primary choices. Here are the top five suggestions provided:
1) Make the vegetable the heart of the plate. Much too often the cut of meat takes the heart of the plate. Instead, make an earthier vegetable the center of the lunch and dinner plate. Recommendations include eggplant, cabbage and squash. Avoid sauces and creams and instead opt for steamed versions and include additional vegetables or healthy nuts to stuff in these choices. Tomato stuffed cabbage, zucchini stuffed eggplant and almonds crushed into squash can make for a delicious alternative.
2) Smoothie and juice it out. Many Americans feel limited in time when it comes to running around with the family, work and school. It actually takes more time to sit in a fast food line than it does mixing almond milk, blueberries and some honey into the blender. Add in spinach and strawberries for an extra kick. Juicers are expensive, so instead opt for mixing veggies like cucumber, kale and blackberries in a traditional blender, with two cups of water. This provides you 100 percent of the nutrient qualities.
3) Freeze it. During the hot, summer months or even for a winter, sweet treat - freeze blueberries, blackberries and grapes. These make for excellent snacks for those who have a vicious sweet tooth. It’s also healthier than french fries which can clog your arteries and instill ongoing health issues.
4) Map out your town. Locate local vegan and vegetarian restaurants in your area and visit them to enjoy delicious food that focuses more on fruits and veggies to get your fill in without the guilt.
5) Create a fruit pie. Have various peaches, apples, plums and pears sitting around but not the heart to eat it? Warm up a saucepan and toss in a cup of water, raw honey, two tablespoons rice flour, and slivered almonds. Add the cubed/cut fruit and stir until nice and warm. Pour into cups to cool or add a graham cracker crushed topping to enjoy this delicious snack.
Develop your own signature dishes and expand the growth of fruit and vegetable consumption over fast-food choices.