Prescription for Fruits and Vegetables

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Have you heard about the program where patients are given a prescription for fruits and vegetables?

I hadn’t until my brother, Pete, sent me this youtube video about it:

We all know that fresh produce is part of a healthy balanced diet. Now, doctors in New York City are giving prescriptions for fruits and vegetables to help combat the obesity epidemic.

And high-risk, low-income families can get “Health Bucks,” vouchers for fresh produce at NYC farmer’s markets. The program also includes nutritional lessons and cooking classes. How cool is that?

Weight Watchers Prescription for Fruits and Vegetables

If you are a successful Weight Watcher you probably are familiar with the Weight Watchers Prescription for Fruits and Vegetables. One of the Weight Watchers Good Health Guidelines is to eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day. (Nine if you weigh over 350 pounds.)

And fruits and most vegetables have a low or zero Points value to encourage their consumption. Low in calories, high in fiber and incredibly filling, fruits and vegetables are a great way to fill up your belly when you are trying to lose or maintain your weight.

I’ve learned through the years that when I am eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, I have a lot easier time with weight maintenance. It’s my own personal prescription for fruits and vegetables.

The key for me is to always be looking for fun and interesting ways to incorporate them into my day!

Prescription for Fruits and Vegetables — Prescriptions for Fruits and Vegetables

Of course, like anything, it’s possible to get too much of a good thing. This is especially true of fresh fruit, which can be high in sugar. So, I usually limit my fresh fruit intake to two servings a day. And a serving isn’t that big.

What’s a serving of fresh fruit? Half a banana. A medium apple. Basically, the amount you can fit in one hand.

Do you have your own personal prescription for fruits and vegetables? I’d love to hear about it!

Links

NYC Introduces Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (Serious Eats)
Weight Watchers Good Health Guidelines (Weight Watchers)