The first part of Eat For Your Health talked about oils, herbs and spices that you should have in your diet.  This post is going to cover fruits and vegetables. Most of you know that it is recommended you get at least nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  Take a second, and count how many times you ate a FRESH fruit or vegetable yesterday.

How much does it add up to?

….

Is it 2, 3 or zero?  If you’re like the majority of Americans, then your VFS (Veggie/Fruits Servings) number is low (yes, I just made that acronym up).  In a society where we constantly look towards modern medicine for healing, it’s time we turn to the fruits and vegetables that are so rich in nutrients and healthful properties.  I’m continually astounded by the side effects listed on medicines, but yet people still choose them over having a healthy diet, that allows the body to naturally heal itself.

Whether you want to admit it or not, we all know that we need fruits and vegetables.  Mostly, the issue is that these things can cost so much.  Especially if we are trying to eat organic.  Here’s the dirty dozen list in fruits and vegetables (the ones that have the highest pesticide count, and should be eaten organic):

• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Red Raspberries
• Spinach
• Strawberries

Fruits and vegetables with a hard outer shell are the least contaminated:

• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Kiwi
• Mangos
• Onions
• Papaya
• Pineapples
• Peas

If you made it this far through my post (I know a lot of you just gloss over these posts), do me a favor and act on what you have read!  Your health is important, and these things should not be ignored.

Ways to save on produce:

1. Keep an eye out for coupons (they do exist for produce).
2. Watch the sales and buy at the lowest price while combining coupons if you have them.
3. Shop at local farms and farmers markets.  Check localharvest.org for some in your area.
4. Shop when fruits and vegetable are in season and stock up at the lowest price.
5. Can or freeze your extra.
6. Consider becoming a freegan.

Baby Step Week 8:  Go to a local farmer’s market or produce stand and buy some fruit and vegetables!!  If you think you don’t have the money for it, then cut costs in other areas so that you can afford more fruits and veggies.  Get that VFS number up to a recommended level!

Recommended Reading:

• If It’s Not Food, Don’t Eat It! The No-nonsense Guide to an Eating-for-Health Lifestyle
• Back To Eden by Jethro Kloss

image source

How do you manage to get enough fruit and vegetable servings each day?