Community Corner
Pass the fruits and veggies please
September marks "Fruits and Veggies - More Matters Month." Learn how to get the right amount of produce in your diet.
Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables each day? Most likely the answer is no.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 90 percent of adults and kids don’t eat the recommended amount of produce. That’s why the CDC has designated September as “Fruits and Veggies – More Matters” Month.
While September is highlighted as a month to help you think more about incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet, the Fruits and Veggies More Matters program is year round. Efforts to incorporate healthy produce have already been implemented at some Decatur area schools. The program “Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools” has helped Decatur High, Glennwood Academy and Renfroe Middle keep a selection of fruits and vegetables in their schools.
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It’s important to keep the momentum going for your family by serving fruits and vegetables at home. You are also encouraged to try new fruits and vegetables. Mix it up. Make sure you have a wide variety of colors on your plate.
The exact amount of fruits and veggies a person needs varies. The CDC has developed a formula that can tell you your personal needs. For example, a 40-year-old woman who exercises daily would need two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables each day. You can figure out your personal needs here: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/form.html
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Decatur residents can get guidance from the folks at . Nutrition specialists at the Wellness Center can help you make sure to get the right amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Nutrition Services include sessions with nutrition consultants, personal nutrition coaches, grocery store tours and nutrition classes.
When buying produce, try to purchase items with the least pesticide contamination. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) ranks the top 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits and veggies, called the “Dirty Dozen.” Those include; apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, lettuce and kale. You can find organic produce at the , , and the Decatur area Publix and Kroger stores.
