Fruit & Veggie Intake

AHolly86 · October 2011

So as for watching my calories, I try to keep a close eye on that from day-to-day as well as trying to make sure I hit my daily mark for protien and fiber as well. Another thing I am trying is to get in at a minimum of 4 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Sometimes this creates a challenge for me because I am certainly not the worlds biggest fan of vegetables so most of my intake is fruit which tends to make my sugar intake sky-rocket. I will eat almost every fruit under the sun, but when it comes to vegetables I am pretty much limited to green beans, cucumbers, and carrots.

What are your suggestions? How does everyone sneak in vegetables/fruits into their daily menu?

smashleymcgee · October 2011

I am like you, I definitely like fruits much more than veggies. My suggestion is to try and mix them into pastas/soups/salads/dips/stir-fries etc- that way they are surrounded by other delicious things

. You can also find new ways to prepare veggies, rather than just eating raw or steaming them. Just recently I tried "baked" squash where you cover squash in breadcrumbs and bake it and it was great. Try mixing them with other things like ranch dressing and peanut butter, and adding salsa to EVERYTHING.

Good luck!!!

Tonnina · October 2011

Make things with pureed veggies (soups come to mind) You can hide veggies in other veggies (parsnips in your mashed potatoes) Take a zucchini and shred it, make a bread or a brownie with it... You can also make noodles out of some veggies like spinach. Play a game of "What can I made with this" buy a veggie you may not like or one you've never had, then cook something with it and see if you like it or not.

NashvilleShelley · October 2011

bump

AHolly86 · October 2011

I have been interested in trying squash, but I'm a little skittish cause I'm not sure how to go about cooking it. I forgot to mention that I do use spinach sometimes. I found a fantastic green smoothie recipe I really enjoy that is:

1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 lemon
6-8 whole strawberries
3/4 cup blueberries (or other fruit)
2 cups spinach
3/4 cup water

Mix until blended smooth. It is so delicious and filling and packs tons of nutients for around 120 calories. So this is definitely one way I enjoy getting in a little vegetables. I've heard people use kale as well, but I haven't been brave enough to test those waters yet myself.

subela · October 2011

I'm vegetarian and have always loved fruits and veggies. It's where you get all your vitamins and minerals besides the fiber. I am 55 and have never needed prescription medication and have low cholesterol. For 2 years I was Vegan and the doctor said I had the best labs she had seen for someone my age. If you can read the China Study, it points out much of chronic disease comes from animal product consumption. I am planning to return to being vegan or what I would term plant based eater because it is the most healthy. IMO there is too much emphasis on Protein not enough on nourishment from raw fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. It's definitely serves you well to get some recipes with veggies that you would enjoy and work towards 5-7 servings a day of both fruits and veggies. The fiber also fills you up.
It's great that you are thinking about this and your overall health. You will appreciate it more as you age.

AdAstra47 · October 2011

I have a very low-carb lifestyle (doctor's orders) so fruits are mostly off the menu. You're right, they have too many sugars. If I'm going to start a workout & might need the burst of carbs, I may allow myself to eat a couple of strawberries along with my protein drink right before I exercise, but that's it.

Veggies, on the other hand, aren't too bad. First, find veggies that are really veggies: not fruits like tomatoes or grains like corns. Second, find veggies that are higher in protein so you're killing two birds with one stone. I eat a ton of spinach, mushrooms, leafy greens, asparagus, sprouts. Avoid high-sugar or high-carb veggies like peas, carrots, and especially potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Great ideas from mcgee! If you don't like veggies on their own, incorporate them into your main dish. I'll stuff a chicken breast with spinach & cheese, or make a spinach quiche, or mix grated zucchini into my meatloaf before I bake it, or use sauteed mushrooms to flavor my steak, or make tuna salad with diced cucumbers & celery in it. Other times I'll mix up some egg & parmesan cheese, then dip squash or asparagus in it & grill it on my George Foreman grill, it's easy & delicious!

AHolly86 · October 2011

Great ideas!

AHolly86 · October 2011

I'm vegetarian and have always loved fruits and veggies. It's where you get all your vitamins and minerals besides the fiber. I am 55 and have never needed prescription medication and have low cholesterol. For 2 years I was Vegan and the doctor said I had the best labs she had seen for someone my age. If you can read the China Study, it points out much of chronic disease comes from animal product consumption. I am planning to return to being vegan or what I would term plant based eater because it is the most healthy. IMO there is too much emphasis on Protein not enough on nourishment from raw fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. It's definitely serves you well to get some recipes with veggies that you would enjoy and work towards 5-7 servings a day of both fruits and veggies. The fiber also fills you up.
It's great that you are thinking about this and your overall health. You will appreciate it more as you age.

That is awesome to hear that you have had such great health and no meds! However, I was raised on a farm so there is always red meat around, but I do limit myself. Once a week is what I strive for, but I do eat chicken and some fish as well throughout the week. I have been considering doing one to two days a week "vegetarian style". I figured that would be at least a start on my part.

garlic7girl · October 2011

Well, just try different ones. When you go grocery shopping buy a small portion of a veggie and seek a tasty recipe. For example, don't get beets and eat plain! If you roast them and make a salad with bleu cheese and walnuts you are more likely to eat them. I think the biggest deterant to veggies is how we fix them. Either we cook to death and/or we add no flavor. Add spices and herbs and mix with cassaroles, soups, put in muffins (shredded carrots or zucchini), and breakfast egg dishes.

Fruit & Veggie Intake

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