Eat Smart
The power of fruit
St. Anthony's has dietitians on staff to guide you on healthy food choices. To enroll in a nutrition class or make an appointment for consultation, Call 314-ANTHONY (268-4669).
Have you been eating too many snacks and high calorie foods over the summer? Why not take advantage of the colorful fruits in your grocery store and jumps tart a healthier diet? Now's the time to select ripe berries, applies, oranges and other fruit.
Fruits, like vegetables, should be a part of every meal. Both provide essential minerals and vitamins. Both also are typically low in fat and calories and contain fiber and water, which, together add bulk, making you feel fuller while eating fewer calories.
The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control say that fruits and vegetables help you maintain a healthy weight, while also reducing your risk for major diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers.
Don't Add, Substitute
Fruits do contain natural sugar, so they are not calorie-free. The key is not to just add them to whatever you eat now; but, instead, substitute fruits and vegetables for other, higher calorie foods during meals or snacks. Don't substitute juice, either, because you lose the fiber-rich benefits of whole fruit and may unknowingly increase your sugar intake.
How much fruit should you eat daily? The CDC says it varies slightly depending upon your age, gender and level of physical activity. Generally, aim for two to three cups of fresh fruit a day. Use a baseball or the size of your fist as a guide — both are about the same size as a cup. And if you like dried fruit, cut that amount by half.
Benefits of Fruit
1 Cup of Fruit Ideas to Get You Started BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Check out the CDC's interactive website, www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov. |
For information, please call our Health Access Line at 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550 or visit find a physician online.
At St. Anthony's, our vision is to be the area's premier health care organization
— and your first choice for health care services.
