1 Most health professionals encourage people to eat vegetables and fruits on a daily basis!
2 Some great vegetables include broccoli, okra, spinach, lettuce, green beans, peas, and cabbage. Try new vegetables now and then. It will help you to develop better eating habits. Who knows, you might even like them. I know when I was a kid, I was very leery of okra and spinach. Now, I love them!
3 Other vegetables include carrots, squash and sweet potatoes. Most kids do not like vegetables, except for carrots and green beans. Again, try a bite every now and then. Most people may not realize it, but there are some fruits like apricots, cantaloupes, and mangos that can take the place of a vegetable in your meals.
4 It is important in eating to pick vegetables and fruits that have been prepared with little or no added fat, sugar or salt. Fresh fruits and fresh vegetables are the best when the season is right and they are available in your area.
5 Most vegetables and fruits have little or no fat in them. Try to stay clear of high fat foods when you eat such as French fries, onion rings, and salads with large amounts of dressing, and/ or those fruits served with heavy creams. The same goes for fruit that is in cans or containers with heavy syrup as they have more sugar. More amounts of sugar can add unwanted calories which will make you gain weight.
6 Everyone knows that most kids do not buy the food, but that their parents do make those choices in stores. So next time you have a chance talk to your mom or dad or whoever does the grocery shopping. Ask them if you can go along or ask them to be sure to pick out fresh fruit whenever possible. Frozen fruit can be a good selection, too, as it is usually just packed with water.
7 Use your reading skills and read labels before you buy or eat. Share that information with your parents, too.
8 Healthy bodies need fiber found in vegetables and fruits. Juices, on the other hand, do not contain the needed fiber.
9 Be sure to stay clear of those punches or fruit drinks that are not 100% fruit, too. Usually they are sources of that heavy syrup and sugar additives that may taste good, but do not benefit your health.
10 Eating healthy is always a good choice!
