Why? Our diet has tremendous effects on our short-and long-term health, especially when it comes to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the average American consumes a total of only three servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Eating fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest and most delicious way to lose weight, eat better and feel better. But did you know that eating fruits and vegetables may help you feel happier?
Researchers found that people who switched from eating almost no fruit and vegetables in their daily diets to eating eight portions of fruit and vegetables a day experienced an increase in life satisfaction equivalent to what an unemployed person feels after finding a job.
Now, the reason is unclear, but you really can't lose by working more fruits and veggies into your diet, right? Your goal should be 5 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day depending on age, gender, physical activity and overall health. Use this Vegetable Chart to find the right amount for you.
To inspire you to eat more fruits and veggies throughout the year, we created a 2017 monthly desk calendar. These food puns are so terrible and funny at the same time that you'll end up smiling or even laughing out loud (which is also good for your health!) You can download virtual versions of the artwork to use as the background on your computer or print and post at your desk—find all 12 months here.
Here are a few of our favorites to get you started:
Spinach
Spinach is one of your best go-to sources for iron, which helps deliver energy-sustaining oxygen to your cells. Add vitamin-C-rich foods like strawberries or oranges to your meal to improve absorption.
Brussels sprouts
These balls of antioxidants can help detoxify cancer-causing free radicals, and with 80% of your daily vitamin C in just 1/2 cup, also help fight heart disease and ward off cataracts.
Tomatoes
This fruit that acts like a vegetable is loaded with health properties. Tomatoes contain all three high-powered antioxidants: beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
Apples
America's favorite fruit are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber. Be sure to eat the skin, too!
Berries
What makes berries so special is their high levels of phytochemicals — those naturally occurring nutrients that help protect cells from damage.
We will also be sharing our favorite recipes and tips on how to eat more veggies with #HappyVeggies. On behalf of the entire TotalWellness team, we wish you a healthy year filled with lots of fresh fruit and veggies!