The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Public Health urges residents to ‘eat fresh’
Eating a balanced diet is essential to maintain good health, prevent chronic disease and feel your best.
This summer, Lorain County Public Health encourages people to eat different kinds of fresh produce, according to a news release.
“Fruits and vegetables are the ultimate power foods. They are full of vitamins and minerals that help make and keep a body healthy and strong,” said Mark Adams, Lorain County Public Health commissioner, in the release. “Ohio produces a large variety of fruits and vegetables in the summer months. Now is a great time to make eating fruits and vegetables a habit.”
Small changes add up
During your next trip to the grocery store or farm market keep the following tips in mind:
• Eat the rainbow. Different colored vegetables provide different nutrients. Choose fruits and vegetables that are different colors to get the widest possible range of nutrients.
• Consider how to prepare and eat the produce. If managing a sharp knife is difficult, choose bitesized fruit like berries. If you have tooth problems, choose soft vegetables like tomatoes or cook crunchy vegetables to soften them.
• Try to get five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. A serving is usually the size of your fist, or about a cup.
Make fruits and vegetables part of your social and family life, too.
If you care for children, make faces or designs out of colorful cut-up fruits and vegetables. Next time you attend a social gathering, volunteer to bring a fruit bowl or vegetable tray.
Learn more about healthy eating at LorainCountyHealth.com/HealthyEating.
Join a produce pickup through City Fresh — pay a set amount per week and pick up a box of fresh produce at locations throughout Lorain County.