Fruits and vegetables are my favorite foods. Of all the conflicting dietary opinions being offered these days, no one argues with eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, current government health initiatives include eating at least 5 helpings a day, but few Americans actually do this consistently. Yet, if you want to feel young and experience vibrant health, it is essential to eat the colorful, tasty, nutrient rich foods God grows for us, and eat them in large quantities.
Here are some general fruit and vegetable recommendations:
To obtain maximum natural protection against the deterioration of mind and body associated with aging, eat a variety of fruits, berries and vegetables daily. Choose a variety of colors, because each color is associated with different nutrients. Include red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, as well as dark leafy green vegetables. Vegetables should not be deep-fried, covered with heavy sauces or smothered in butter.
If you cannot bring yourself to eat enough fruits and vegetables, there is a tasty solution: Smoothies!
Smoothies are liquefied mixes of fruit or vegetables. This requires a blender, and it’s a worthwhile investment to obtain one that is well constructed with high horsepower. (I splurged and bought a Vita Mix™, which is basically a blender on steroids. You could put a bowling ball and some milk into this thing and it would turn it into a smoothie!) Smoothies are a tasty, refreshing way to obtain healthful nutrients and can also be used as a supportive part of a weight management program.
This is what I do:
On weekends, I will make 2 full Vita Mix pitchers. This is enough for 8 smoothies, which I pour into 8 cups that have screw on drinking lids. These are available at most smoothie and nutrition stores. I put one in the refrigerator for the next day, and the others in the freezer. Each night I take one out of the freezer, allowing it to thaw overnight. I try to drink one each day.
Here is my favorite recipe: (makes one pitcher full)
1/3 cup fresh frozen mixed berries
1 pear
1 apple
1 lemon
4 stalks of celery
1 peeled cucumber
Spinach
Mixed greens
Here are some other nutritious ideas which add well to smoothies:
Ginger for digestive health, Greek yogurt for protein, turmeric to fight inflammation, nut butter or seed butter for healthy fats and protein, pineapple, a carrot, 1/2 turnip, or some cabbage.
Enjoy!