Day 70 & 71- Fruits and Veggies

Why is it important to eat fruit and vegetables?

Eating fruits and vegetables provides wonderful health benefits!  People who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body. 

Health benefits

• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum cancer.
• Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Eating fruits and vegetables rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and may help to decrease bone loss.
• Eating foods such as vegetables that are low in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.

Since I have been eating clean, I have been eating so much more fruits and veggies.  This is why I put spinach in my smoothies.  I say "Keep it green!"  Eating more greens will balance your pH.  Many modern foods are acidic in nature and can lead to health issues, so balancing your body with neutralizing foods like greens keeps your body's pH at a healthier level.  Some dark greens include omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are important to many of the body's functions, especially for brain function.  Chlorophyll in green plants acts as a blood detoxifier.

They are high in nutrients and enzymes necessary for your body to function, such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. (Dead foods like white bread, refined sugar, cookies and the like rob you of health and vitality.)  In greens, you'll find a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect your cells from damage and your eyes from age-related problems.  Greens are powerful antioxidants, and they support the immune system.

Remember how I told you a while back how I was going to Jamba Juice a few times a week to get wheat grass juice?  Well, a 2 ounce shot of wheatgrass juice is equivalent to 2 pounds of vegetables!  That is a lot!  Some people can handle wheatgrass, and others gag at the taste of it.  Personally, I don't mind it at all.  I have not had any in a while, and I need to start going back again.  It truly made me feel great and my energy level was high all day!  I know I posted benefits of wheatgrass on here before, but here are just a few more:

*Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.
* Chlorophyll is antibacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.
* Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.
*Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.
* Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems
*Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and is used as a body deodorant.
*A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet prevents tooth decay.
*Wheatgrass juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.
*Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open. It is high in magnesium.

So, go and try some wheatgrass!  You will be amazed at how good you feel.  And remember to get at least 5 fruits and veggies in a day.  With summer almost here, we will all have access to wonderful local fresh produce!  Summertime is the best for that!

Here is my menu plan for the last two days:

Day 70-
Breakfast-
1 bowl creamy buckwheat cereal with chopped pecans and almond milk
1 c. fresh strawberries
1 c. green tea
32 oz water

Mid-morning snack-
20 almonds
5 pea pods

Lunch-
Smoothie with 1 c. almond milk, 1 scoop shakeology powder, 1 apple, 1/2 c. blueberries, handful of spinach
16 oz water

Mid-afternoon snack-
1 hard boiled egg
5 broccoli floretts with lite ranch
16 oz water

Dinner-
4 oz baked salmon
1/2 sweet potato
5 stalks asparagus
16 oz water

After-dinner snack-
1 c. non-fat/sugar free pistacio pudding

Day 71-
Breakfast-
2 scrambled eggs
2 slices turkey bacon
1/2 c. sliced kiwi
1 c. green tea
32 oz water

Mid-morning snack-
1/2 c. raisins and dried cherries (mixed together)
16 oz water

Lunch-
Salad with romaine lettuce, spinach, shrimp, imitation crab meat, celery, green bell pepper, tomatoes, sliced boiled egg and lite french dressing
16 oz water

Mid-afternoon snack-
1 c. sliced jicama
16 oz water

Dinner-
4 oz baked halibut
1/2 c. garlic mashed potatoes
1 c. steamed broccoli
16 oz water

After-dinner snack-
1/2 c. trail mix