How Can We Get Our Veggies?

     It seems to me that we are not eating enough fruits and vegetables for either of two reasons. Either we don't like them or we can't afford them.

     I've been thinking a lot about those two reasons, and I agree that they are good reasons and not just excuses. Let's look at affordability.

     If you're well off it's not a problem. If you buy a lot of junk food you can cut out some of that and replace it with fruits and veggies. If you are poor and out of work you can go to food pantries, but most of the time the fresh produce is anything but, and you will probably just end up with rotted food, and no one wants to eat that, even if you're poor. Most food pantries will offer a good selection of canned fruits and veggies. You may want to rinse them of some of the added sodium before eating though.

     Maybe doctors should just start writing reduced cost prescriptions for fresh fruits and veggies every month. I'm sure someone out there would reimburse for the reduced cost, since in the long run it would save in health care costs.
  
     Another answer would be to get on a government food program. They pay the farmers already to grow them. Maybe they could also pay you to eat them.

Let's look at the second reason we don't eat our produce on my other blog, Fruits and VeggieVille.

Red Meats Shorten Your Life Span

     A recent survey involving people eating red meats, including pork, show that it adds to all kinds of illnessess and results in people dying from all kinds of diseases.

     I'm not going to go into the details of the study proving that red meat is not good for you because I've heard this before and I really do believe it. Red meat is not good for us to eat.

     I am not a vegan and I love ribs and a good steak any day, but deep down I know that although it tastes better than heaven, it is not good for me. I and many of you need to learn that food must become a way of fueling our bodies and not the center of our entertainment or joy. This is difficult since I grew up with every celebration and good time centered around food.

      I think maybe I will leave out red meat except on rare occasions , I know it would be a lie to say I'd give it up completely. Rarely may be enough of a good start for now.

What I Know So Far

     How I need my daily diet to be for the rest of my life, at least till the next set of studies comes in.

• Red meat no more than once a week
• Fish no more than once a twice a week
• Turkey is the healthiest meat out there so far
• Replace transfats with good fats from nuts, seeds, chocolate, cheese, and avocados.
• Calories must be limited
• Fresh or frozen fruits and veggies are best
• Keep away from canned and processed foods
• Use olive oil that is extra virgin and comes in a dark bottle or container
• Measure portions if you have too 
• Eat slower
• Don't use salt

Ten Reasons Why Apples Are A Superfood

1. Apples help maintain good blood sugar, because the fructose in the apple is considered a simple sugar and is broken down very slowly. Combine that with the amount of fiber and you won't get sugar spikes and will feel fuller longer.

          An average apple contains about 80 calories.

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2. If you eat one large apple per day you can knock your cholesterol level down by 8 to 11 %, two large apples a day can lower it by 16%.
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4. An average apple contains about 3 grams of fiber, even if you peel the apple you still get about 2.7 grams of fiber. Fiber keeps you feeling more full and satisfied, and because it has two different kinds of fiber, it really helps knock down your bad cholesterol levels.
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6. Apple skins have a strong flavonoid called quercitin. Eat one apple a day with 4 cups of green tea and a couple tablespoons of onions and you can lower your risk of heart attacks by about 32%. 
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8. Researchers believe that apples can lower the risk of breast cancer and possibly colon cancer.
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10. Apples come in many varieties, sizes, and colors, and can be enjoyed cold and crisp or warm and soft, and can be used in salads, desserts, appetizers, and main and side dishes.
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12. Braeburn apples can help protect your skin from dangerous UV rays from the sun.
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14. Apples have shown to raise the levels of hdl or good cholesterol.
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16. After subtracting the amounts of fiber, an average apple has about only 15 grams of carbs.
    

Pumpkin Seeds

     Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas not only taste wonderful but they are very good for your body. It is believed that pumpkin seeds may have the following health benefits;

• lowers blood cholesterol
• reduces risks of some cancers
• helps the immune system
• very good source of magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus
• good source of zinc, protein, iron, and copper
• arthritic anti-inflammatory
• because of the zinc it protect mens' bones
• may promote prostate health

     A 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds have 186 calories. They should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.You can make your own at home by wiping them with a paper towel to remove any pulp from the pumpkin, lay them in a single layer on a brown paper bag for several hours to dry them and then roast them slightly in the oven at about 165 degrees for 17 minutes. After their done you can use them whole, chop them, grind them, and then add to recipes like ground meat, salads, casseroles, or anything you want.