Eat Your Veggies!

Everyone knows that at the forefront of good nutrition is fruits and vegetables. When we fill up on low calorie-high nutrient fruits and vegetables, we leave less room in our diets for junk! While fruits and vegetables are full of potassium, vitamins, and other essential nutrients, many Americans are not consuming enough. Today, I am going to outline what counts and what DOESN'T count as produce and how you can get more in your diet.
DO NOT:

• Potatoes: they are good for you and the skins do provide fiber but I am talking about their french fried cousins or potato chips. Even kettle or baked chips are not vegetables
• Vegetable flavored pastas: A lot of these varieties are made from dried vegetables or vegetable purees so don't be impressed by these. Veggie pastas are mostly flour and don't compare to eating real vegetables. You are better of eating whole-grain pasta with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Fruit juices: No. These often time high calorie and sugar laden drinks don't compare to their wholesome real fruit counterpart.
• Canned vegetables that ARE NOT labeled as reduced or low sodium: cutting excess salt out of your diet will lower your blood pressure and keep you at bay for a bevy of other chronic diseases such as heart disease.
• Frozen veggies that come with a sauce: not only do these sauces add calories but they also add saturated fat and sodium to your diet.
• Don't overcook your vegetables

DO:

• Buy fresh vegetables that are in season and buy veggies that are easy to prepare such as baby carrots or zuchinni 
• Stock up your freezer with frozen vegetables
• Eat your veggies either raw or steamed
• Try to use veggies as your main dish at least 3 meals a week or try Meatless Mondays!

-Eating Clean in College