4/13/2007
So you've been trying to eat right, working to fit in your "5 a day" servings of fruit and vegetables. Well, the government has some news for you: Forget five a day. More is better. Government officials now say adults need anywhere from 7-13 cups of produce daily to get all the health benefits of fruits and vegetables – including possible protection against obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. So here are some things you can try. Experiment with new types of fruits and veggies -- like a broccoli salad mix, or pomegranate juice. Vary the texture. Kids tend to like raw, crunchy fruits and veggies with low-fat dip. Choose sweet potatoes over white potatoes for more potassium and beta carotene. And have a vegetarian meal at least once a week. It can be as simple as soup and salad, or a stir-fry meal.
We all know how important it is to exercise. You’ve probably heard it from everyone around you, including your doctors. Vigorous work-outs - when you're breathing hard and sweating - help your heart pump better, give you more energy and help you look and feel better. So why not set a summer goal to get out and exercise more? For more health tips and to find a physician or specialist, call St. John’s Referral One at 625-2000 or log onto stj.com.
