Ever since you were young, you’ve been told you need to eat your veggies. But why? And how many do you really need?

Because eating fruits and vegetables is such an important part of a healthy diet, our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson is here to break down the answers to these questions and more. Read on for more!

Why Are Vegetables Important?

Let’s talk about both fruits and vegetables, actually. These healthy foods are vitally important for your health because they are packed with all sorts of good essentials, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

In fact, they expose you to so much good stuff that experts recommend filling half your plate at each meal with fruits and vegetables. They’re the foundation for healthy eating, and you might be surprised by how little you need to get in a serving.

Serving Sizes for Produce

• 1 medium peach
• Half an avocado
• 1 small banana
• 16 grapes
• 4 large strawberries
• Half a large bell pepper
• 6 baby carrots
• Half of a medium potato

How Many Servings Do I Need?

Because fruits and vegetables are so important, experts recommend that they make up the bulk of your diet. Adults should aim for at least four servings of fruit a day and five servings of veggies.

While any fruit or veggie you choose will be healthy, it’s a good idea to choose a wide spectrum of colors. That’s because each different hue of produce provides distinct antioxidants and nutrients.

Other Healthy Eating Basics

• Choose lean proteins, such as chicken, fish or tofu.
• Broil, bake or grill proteins rather than frying.
• Limit your intake of added sugar, sodium and saturated fats.
• Choose whole grains, such as brown rice or whole-wheat bread.
• Eat a small amount of healthy fats, such as what’s found in olive oil or nuts.

Feeling less than your best? Schedule an AFC TeleCare appointment with AFC Urgent Care Hixson today to get the care you need from the comfort of home.