Are you on track to achieve your goal of optimal health?
Most of us have some kind of health goals – whether it’s shedding a few pounds, running a 5k, or increasing muscle strength. But true “optimal health” goes a step further. Optimal health is when every system in your body is functioning at its peak. From the cardiovascular system, to bone strength, to neurological performance. It’s all a part of optimal health. Your body right now is a reflection of the choices you’ve made up to this point.
Eating healthy is one of the key factors to getting you on the right track to achieving optimal health. By minimizing indulgences and loading up on nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables, you’ll be taking simple steps in the right direction. When we eat plant-based foods, we’re taking in phytonutrients that will help protect our bodies against diseases. The World Health Organization recommends that we get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day and this includes all forms: dried, frozen, fresh, or in 100% juice.
But, what is a serving of fruits and vegetables?
We all have our own barriers to eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but getting the plant compounds into our systems is important. Eating five servings of fruits and veggies every day may be easier than many of us think because a serving size is relatively small. If we can all work one of these servings into every meal and snack, we’ll be well on our way!
- Raw fruit = ½ cup (or serving about the size of a billiard ball)
- Dried fruit = ½ cup (or about the size of an egg)
- 100% fruit or vegetable juice = 6 ounces (about the size of a hockey puck)
- Raw vegetables = 1 cup (a baseball-sized serving)
- Cooked vegetables = ½ cup
The bottom line is that eating our greens is important to achieving optimal health. But it’s not just about green leaves, it’s about all fruits and vegetables. Different plant-based foods contain a number of different phytonutrients, so variety is important. Ideally, this should be met primarily from foods but nearly all of us fall short of the quantity and range of nutrients we need on a daily basis. To get the valuable phytonutrients our bodies require for peak performance, consider nutritional supplements to help fill gaps if you’re falling short. Remember to always consult with your doctor before trying any new supplements or treatments.
“If you don’t do what’s best for your body, you’re the one who comes up on the short end.” – Julius Erving
What are you prepared to do?
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
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PPS. Did You Find This Helpful? If so, please feel free to share!! Leave a comment or contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com.
