LM AspirationsLM AspirationsNational Fresh Fruit and Vegetables month is here. Let’s celebrate by enjoying seasonal fruit and vegetables. Not only are they delicious they can provide fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. Naturally low in sodium too. Fiber in particular, considered a carbohydrate, is soluble and insoluble (makes you feel full). The soluble form is linked to lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. It is believed to help lower risk in heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, and inflammation.
Fiber with sufficient fluid moves quickly which helps your digestive tract. Try not to overload with too much fiber at one time, give your digestive system time to process the additional fiber. Steadily add the extra fiber to your diet to avoid stomach issues like abdominal cramps, bloating, and other unpleasant bodily functions. Increase your water intake as well.
Did you know that tomatoes, celery, and carrots are mainly insoluble fiber? Or that Berries, pears, apples and, citrus fruits are soluble fiber. Salad greens also provide in fiber, and are believed to help with gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health.
Whether you visit your favorite grocer’s produce aisle or get them fresh from your garden, be sure to enjoy some fantastic in season fruit and vegetables.
Here’s a few ideas:
Make a salad
Grill vegetables and/or fruit
Make salsa (love mango salsa on fish or with shrimp)
Squeeze citrus on your chicken, fish or salad
Fruit and yogurt parfait
Freeze fruit
Frozen desserts like a granita or popsicles, you can get creative and make grown up only versions, yum!
Disclaimer: No content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for medical advice from your physician.