So far today I have eaten one half of a nectarine and a granny smith apple. Being that I do, in fact, strive for 5 fruit and vegetable servings each day, I have some catching up to do as lunch time is fast approaching. I'll have a tomato for sure and I have another nectarine in my lunch bag so my fruit quota for the day will certainly be met. To add vegetables to my day, I will have to either be a bit more creative or otherwise add broccoli or green beans to dinner as a side dish. Based on my fruit consumption so far today, it's quite obvious that I much prefer fruit over vegetables. The reason is simple...taste. The natural sweetness of most fruits make them such a lovely snack. Then there are the sneaky fruits such as tomatoes and avocados - often thought to be vegetables but alas, they are not. Admittedly, I do enjoy most vegetables, including the much maligned and completely misunderstood Brussels sprout. The fact remains that I don't normally crave them so including colorful nutrient rich vegetables into my daily diet is sometimes a challenge. There are days when my body knows that I need a salad, probably to balance out a less nutritionally sound meal that I had consumed during the previous 24 hours.
I visited the http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/ website for some inspiration and was thrilled to see corn, lima beans, and yukon gold potatoes on the list. As a rule of thumb, I don't usually count corn, potatoes, or even peas toward my daily intake goal but seeing that they all made the list, I think I will start counting them from now on. As matter of fact, potatoes are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper and manganese. "The potato nutrition facts are so amazing that you will be surprised when you would come to know that potatoes enhance the functions of the brain."
So yesterday's lunchtime baked potato was good for me (and yes, I did add a tablespoon of sour cream). Maybe tonight I'll add corn to my broccoli for a double dose of veggie goodness.
The JFA Worksite Wellness Team shares stories, tips and information about living well, or doing the best they can, while balancing life and working as worksite wellness professionals.
