Not Eating Fruit??? Gasp!

Egads. I was talking to a friend of mine who said she hadn't eaten a fruit in weeks. Yes, I said WEEKS!

I couldn't believe my ears!I fully recognize that many of us don't get the daily allowance of fruits and vegetables we should. But to go weeks without a fruit astounded me. From health classes in school, I knew early on that fruits, vegetables, dairy, lean proteins, and grains were integral to a healthy diet - integral to building a healthy body. I just can't fathom not eating a fruit, or vegetable for that matter, for weeks on end. I don't plan a meal without those components in mind! The truth of the matter is that your body needs a variety of foods EACH DAY! You need a little from each food group to stay strong and healthy! Here's what PBSkids.org has to say about the fruit food group:

What’s good about it:
Vitamin C helps us absorb iron and is important for healthy teeth and gums.
Vitamin A keeps our skin and hair healthy, and helps with growth and eyesight.
Potassium helps us work our muscles.
Fiber helps food move through our digestive systems, is good for our hearts, and may help prevent heart disease and cancer. (Keep in mind that fiber is only in whole fruit, not fruit juice.)
Carbohydrates, which our bodies like to burn as fuel, so they work as a source of quick energy.

How much you should eat: 1.5 to 2 cups every day.

Soooo, if you're like my friend and find you're passing over fruit more than a day at a time...think again!

Do something healthy for YOU!