September is Fruits/Veggies More Matters Month

"Eat your vegetables". "Fruit is good for you."  Your mother probably said this to you when you were a child.  Have you ever wondered why parents for generations have encouraged their children to eat fruits and vegetables?

There are many reasons. Fruits and vegetables:

•  taste good and come in many varieties.
• are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
• may reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.
• are low in calories.
• are convenient to prepare and serve.

In an effort to encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables, September has been declared Fruits/Veggies More Matters Month.  Consider working towards on of these goals this month:

• One More a Day -- Plan to eat (and help your family eat) at least one more fruit or vegetable every day.
• Half My Plate -- Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal.
• My School -- Join the effort to provide more fruit and vegetables to students at your child's school.

To reach your goal this month, try some of these ideas for increasing the fruits and vegetables your family members eat:

• Offer your kids fresh fruit or raw vegetables as a snack.
• Add a favorite fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas, as a topping to cereal, waffles, pancakes, and yogurt.
• Order vegetables toppings when you get pizza.
• Add lettuce, tomato, and other veggies to sandwiches.
• Drink fruit smoothies made with low-fat yogurt.
• Offer your kids two vegetables with dinner and a serving of fruit for dessert.
• Find ways for your children to be involved in selecting, preparing, and serving fruits and vegetables.  Children are much more likely to try new foods if they have helped prepare them.