How Many Veggies Are On Your Plate?

Only one in 10 Americans has enough veggies and fruits on their plates. Are you that one, or are you part of the nine who don’t get enough? The USDA recommends adults have 50 percent of their dinner plates filled with fruits and vegetables, but most people are not consuming enough on a daily basis.

Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, antioxidants and polyphenols that positively impact health, but why don’t Americans follow these recommendations? Here are a few reasons:

Hectic schedules. It’s easy to opt for fast food when you’re rushing from work only to begin your second job of carting the kids around for evening activities. Very few fast food places offer healthy salads or fruit items, so you likely end up eating a meal filled with unhealthy fats, too much salt and more.

Prices. The economy is tough right now, and many people simply can’t afford expensive items. Supermarket prices have skyrocketed, and many choose filling foods over healthier foods. When trying to feed a large family, there simply may not be enough money to go around to fill each dinner plate with vegetables and fruits.

Selection. Different parts of the country have different selections of fruits and vegetables. Certain urban and rural areas simply don’t have enough grocery stores, so there are many underserved communities.

Misinformation. We have to questions everything these days. There is so much conflicting information. The same goes for information about the health of fruits and vegetables. There are all sorts of articles telling people not to eat fruit and veggies because they have too many carbs, or fiber that ferments in the gut to produce inflammation. There are articles saying vegetables are not as nutrient-dense as people think, and one that even says consuming vegetables could land you in the hospital due to being contaminated with harmful bacteria. It’s all confusing and even mind-numbing but the various pieces of different information do tend to scare some people away from eating these foods.

Eating sufficient fruits and vegetables is great protection against chronic conditions, many of which are the leading causes of mortality in the United States. Women do better than men when consuming healthy veggies and fruits, and older people over 50 generally consume more than younger people.

What is a person supposed to do? Consistency of consumption is key, which is why I’d like you to consider my private label Opti Greens. Just mix a scoop with water or a smoothie every day, and voila! Your problem is solved. Opti Greens provides a blend of organic fruits and to help bridge the gap in the typical American diet. Think about making Opti Greens part of your daily regimen. You’ll be glad you did.