Summer is here. If you are like me, getting active and focusing on fitness is now top of mind more than ever.  With the sun shining and warm weather upon us, it seems that people everywhere are taking advantage of the sunshine and springing into action.  This is especially true in Florida where our Creative Choice Group offices are located.

And while exercise is a critical component to a healthy lifestyle, so is nutrition.  There is an old adage that we are what we eat.  Doctors recommend that we all eat from the food pyramid. You probably remember this from when you were in elementary school.  Our diet should include a healthy balance of whole grains, fruits, lean protein, and nuts/fats, dairy and of course vegetables.

In fact, eating your veggies is so important that there is actually a day devoted just to that.  Yes, today, July 17th, is National Eat Your Vegetables Day!

So, why are vegetables considered so important to our diet?  First, each vegetable has its own nutritional content and for the most part they are chalked full of essential vitamins. This includes Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6 and many other dietary minerals.  Vegetables also contain other phytochemicals, some of which are considered antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-carcinogenic properties.

The nice thing about vegetables is that they contain little fat.  They are also full of fiber.  Fiber helps with gastrointestinal functions but probably most importantly, fiber fills you up.  Filling your body with healthy nutrients and avoiding empty calories such as sugar or carbohydrates will reduce your caloric intake and make your stomach feel full.  This by default can have an immediate impact on your energy level and your weight.  Not to mention that eating right, especially vegetables can have notable benefits to your hair and skin.  It’s always nice to feel good… you might as well look good too!

Eating a diet consisting of the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables may also help lower the risk of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes.  Healthy eating and high-intake of veggies is also cited to decrease bone loss, and protect against some cancers.

If you missed Eat Your Vegetable Day, do not fret. You can catch up now. The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends we consume 3 to 5 servings of vegetables per day.   For most vegetables, one serving is equivalent of 1/2 to 1 cup and can be eaten either raw or cooked.

Eating healthy is easier for some than others.  We try to make healthy living a team effort. At Etech Global Solutions, one thing we like to do is have potluck days at the office.  The managers and supervisors make a point to include fresh fruit and vibrant vegetable trays at the potluck lunches.  Another tip is making snack bags with veggies to nibble on during the day.  You will find that preparing a bag of celery, carrots and bell peppers is much more appealing to eat when pre-prepared.  Plus it tastes a whole lot better than the processed chips or cheese crackers in the vending machine at work.

So as you plan your summer fun, make a point to add a little green to your diet. Before you know it can be veggie day “every day” for you!