{"id":5541,"date":"2015-04-28T20:46:02","date_gmt":"2015-04-29T01:46:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/?p=5541"},"modified":"2015-09-29T20:48:15","modified_gmt":"2015-09-30T01:48:15","slug":"may-3-2015-fruit-full","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/may-3-2015-fruit-full\/","title":{"rendered":"May 3, 2015 Fruit-Full"},"content":{"rendered":"
Jen Krausz, Bethlehem, PA<\/div>\n
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Warm-up Question<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is the last fruit or vegetable you ate, and when did you eat it<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Fruit-Full
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America is the breadbasket of the world. Walk into any grocery store, and you will find thousands of items to choose from. The average American spends thousands of dollars each year on all kinds of food, from groceries to fast food to sit down restaurant meals served by waitstaff.<\/p>\n

Despite the abundance and variety of food available in this country, it seems that many Americans are failing to get enough of certain foods considered to be important to good health. The government recommends that kids and adults get at least 2 \u00bd cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit per day.<\/p>\n

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Most say that they are trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, but the average person eats only about a cup of vegetables and half a cup of fruit each day. Teens and the elderly are the groups eating the least of these healthy foods.<\/p>\n

Fruits and vegetables are important for a healthy diet because they contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Many of these healthy nutrients are not found in other types of foods such as breads, meats, or fats. A balanced diet can prevent disease and prolong life.<\/p>\n

According to Elizabeth Pivonka of the Produce for Better Health Foundation, even adding small amounts of fruits and vegetables to normal meals can help your overall health. Putting raisins in cereal, veggies on sandwiches, and drinking 100% fruit juices can help people get to the recommended number of servings per day.<\/p>\n

Another way to make sure there are enough fruits and vegetables in someone\u2019s diet is to aim to fill half the plate with those foods. More frequent grocery shopping may be needed to make sure the house stays stocked with fresh produce. Instead of shopping every two weeks, people may need to shop once or twice a week.<\/p>\n

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Discussion Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n