All About Fruits And Vegetables

? A medium sized piece of fruit, such as an apple, pear or orange

? One large slice of a fruit like a cantaloupe, melon or pineapple

? Two pieces of small fruit, such as a kiwi fruit or plum

? One cup of strawberries, raspberries or grapes

? One half cup of fresh fruit salad

? One half cup of stewed or canned fruit

? One quarter cup of dried fruit

? One half cup of 100% pure fruit juice

? One half cup of cooked, canned or frozen vegetables

? One side salad

Unlike with many other types of foods, more is better when it comes to fruits and vegetables. When planning and preparing meals, it is important to plan ahead and include as many servings of fruits and vegetables as possible. Proper meal planning and shopping are the best ways to meet the five a day minimum recommendation for fruit and vegetable consumption.

Some tips for healthier living

? Stock the fridge with healthy snacks like celery sticks and carrots

? Keep a bowl of fruit, stocked with healthy attractive fruits like oranges, apples and bananas, on the kitchen counter and dining room table

? Drink a glass of 100% pure apple, orange or grapefruit juice every morning

? Warm up a cold day with a steaming bowl of vegetable soup

? Eat at least one salad every day. Experiment with different salad additions, like broccoli, sprouts, carrots and green peppers.

? Snack on fruits like apples and oranges. Dried fruits like apricots and raisins also make handy and nutritious snacks ? Add sprouts, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes to sandwiches for extra variety

? Garnish meals with chopped or grated carrots

? Strive for at least two servings of vegetables at each evening meal

? Use your creativity to create exciting vegetable stir fries for family and friends

? Spice up the grill with vegetable and fruit kebobs

? Use baked apples and pears as great low calorie desserts

? Add vegetables like carrots, cabbage, onions, lentils and peas to soups, stews and casseroles.

Learn about growing cucumbers and cucumber plants at the Fruits And Vegetables site.