Well, eating vegetables (and fruits) can be life-saving. Not only are vegetables and fruits high in fiber but also high in antioxidants. What does this mean? They can help fight against cancer. Do you know what else? Vegetables and fruits are low in sodium. This fact translates into lowering the risk for high blood pressure.
Is it because fruits and vegetables don't have any colorful packaging or marketing tactics to get people to buy them that people aren't bringing them home? Produce just lies silently waiting to be purchased at the grocery store or farmer's market. They are so super, they don't need super packaging. They don't need to come with a free toy either.
In today's economy one can argue it is hard to eat well. Another person may state that produce costs more. So, I go to the grocery store and I evaluate the frozen, canned and "fresh" vegetable sections. I notice that sometimes the produce is high, like avocados. One avocado is around $1.50. (However, this is not the case with all produce.) I observe the canned beans in aisle 4 are around a dollar. Then I am stunned to find that the frozen vegetables are either on sale or for less than two dollars a bag. There are at least four servings in the beans and frozen vegetables. At least four people can eat beans for one dollar. Growing your own produce is even less expensive.
So why is it when people don't eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, particularly children? I will argue it's not because of expense. There are ways to grow your own produce at home, buy them from farmer's markets, buying them canned or frozen... all very good options.
So, why am I applauding fruits and vegetables? Simply, because they are life-enriching. They are naturally fortified with fiber, low sodium, natural sugars (not processed), vitamins and antioxidants. These are all very sensational qualities! Doesn't your child deserve their fruits and vegetables?
When children eat more fiber, as with anyone, they get fuller faster. They are not as hungry because fiber is more filling. They tend not to overeat because they are full. And they tend to be happier. I hypothesize that a child who eats more fruits and vegetables is less likely to be a picky eater (given they are supported in eating healthy). What is my statement based on? Ultimately, through observational research, kids exposed to more fruits and vegetables were more likely to eat a variety of foods. When a person eats a variety of food, they are less likely to endure weight problems. However, when I discussed picky eating with a twenty-something picky eater this week, the conversation only supported my findings. She ate mostly chicken fingers and grilled cheese sandwiches. The most interesting statement she made was, "All I really needed was someone to make me eat something else." Now, there's something to munch on.
A great follow up article to read is http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2009-10-26-kids-vegetables_N.htm. You can also check out http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org to learn more about how to encourage your child to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Find me on Twitter @Fynnsfoodbin!
http://www.childhealtheducator.wordpress.com/
"A person can eat well but still be malnourished."
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