According to the CDC, only about 12 percent of American adults eat the daily recommended amount of fruit. And only 10 percent meet their vegetable intake recommendations. Now a new study looks at a way to get more people to eat these healthy foods.
For Kathy Moramarco, healthy eating is a way of life. She says, “I try to eat healthy for weight management and longevity and anticancer.
Most people, like Kathy, know that fresh fruits and veggies are good for them, but eating enough can be hard. Now, a new study shows when doctors prescribe healthy foods, nutrition improves. Researchers studied 3,881 people from low-income neighborhoods.
Participants were given vouchers worth 15 to 300 dollars a month to buy more fruits and veggies. Results showed the volunteers ended up eating about 30 percent more produce per day! A diet high in fruits and vegetables can lessen the risk of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and more. And experts say the more variety, and the color, the better!
Mary Mcalary, Cert. Holistic Health Coach, Author, Founder of New Day One Life Nutrition says, When you eat color, those colors give you the nutrients that you need to be your healthiest.
The American Heart Association recommends four to five servings each of fruits and vegetables daily. And the US Department of Agriculture suggests filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. Kathy says she feels better when she eats right.
Kathy says, “When I incorporate a lot more fruits and vegetables, I feel a lot better and my energy skyrockets.”
More energy, and better health.
The US Agriculture Department estimates that a person would need to spend 63 to 78 dollars per month to eat the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables.