Good Lifestyle

Did you know thatOnly 9% of adults eat the recommended amount of vegetables, according toCDC? It goes without saying that this statistic is enough upsetting.

There are so many reasons why you should eat vegetables, most of whom you probably know it already, but they are worth repeating.

Why you should eat vegetables and what happens if you do not do it.

"The plants are an important part of our diet because they are rich in antioxidants who fight the disease, the fiber to help fill us, manage hunger, weight falls and helps regularity, vitamins for optimal health and immunity, and they are low in calories and full of water to keep us hydrated, "saysAmy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, Founder and director ofREAL NUTRITION NYCAnd a member of ourmedical examination committee.

If you areDo not eat enough vegetables, Not only are you going to miss on their advantages, but you can also encounter serious side effects of negative.

"When we do not meet [Vegetables] requirements that we often fill in more calorie-rich foods that is less nutritious and can lead to increased hunger, desires, weight gain and reduce our general well-being, weaken our immune system and get rid of our digestive lanes, "says Shapiro. (In touch:What happens to your body when you eat fruits and vegetables.)

How many vegetables you need to eat a day (this is not as much as you think).

With so few Americans incorporating beneficial levels of vegetables into their diet, you can assume that our vegetable deficiencies are due to the recommendations being impossible to reach; However, the good news is that the number of vegetables we should eat is not as high as you think.

Women need to eat only 2.5 cups and men 5.5 cups of vegetables each daytime, according toUSDA Dietary Guidelines. At the moment, runs American average consumption falls only 1.4 cups of vegetables a day.

Although it is the minimum amount of vegetables to eat a day, Shapiro advises to try to get even more than for optimal health: "I recommend to my customers fill half of their plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal and two meals a day enjoy 2 cups of vegetables, "says Shapiro,.

Read more:9 warning signs that you do not eat enough vegetables

How to eat more vegetables.

Eating more vegetables is easier said than doing, right?

We know how important products of food is our health and well-being, but unfortunately, this knowledge is not enough for us to change our behavior.

Vegetables can be coming so easy by you factor in options such as canned and frozen offers, but there is still a stigma attached to vegetables that prevent people from eating as many of them as they should.

As to why people do not have an increase not their consumer products, they often cite that fruits and vegetables go wrong too fast, they are not available in their home, they are expensive, and they take too much time to prepare,Medicine and Clinical Research to study.

To help you overcome these obstacles, Shapiro shares some tips:

• Buy beyond fees:Fresh vegetables are not the only way you can get your daily portions: "Frozen, canned and fresh vegetables are all nutritious choices as long as there are no added sugars," she says.
• Just mix: "Smoothies and soups are a great way to get in fruits and vegetables. I always add the spinach to my fruit smoothies, you do not even know that it is in it! Said Shapiro.
• Look for vegetables in unexpected places"Fresh [Products] is now available in pharmacies, cafes and grocery stores fine corner," says Shapiro.
• Serve them with a sauce or vinaigrette: "Add onehealthy dressing Or soak your vegetables in salsa, the Houmous, or Guacamole, "it recommends.
• To show creativity! "Vegetables can be cooked in several dishes like hamburgers, soups, sauces, etc. There are so many ways to enjoy fruits and vegetables, show creativity and challenge you to achieve these party goals most days of the week! Recommend Shapiro.

It's easy to break your vegetable intake by meal: just add a serving to each meal, and you will reach your recommendation a day in a short time.

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