How Many Servings of Fruit And Vegetables Should You Consume?

Fruits and vegetables (Photo credit: nutrilover)

The average person should consume two pieces of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day as a minimum. Athletes probably need even more - I recommend 10-15 servings per day for each of my athletes. Expert often spend too much time arguing about organic vs. regular fruits and veggies. I agree that raw, organic fruits and vegetables are best since they have a higher micronutrient count, but any fruits and veggies are better than none! Get sufficient fruits and vegetables in your diet before worrying about whether they're organic or not.

Are You Eating For Two?

Restaurant potions tend to be huge. To help control your portions ask the waiter to immeditaly put half of your meal in a take home box and the bring the rest to your table. Chances are that half portion will satisfy your hunger and you can save the remainder for another day.

Should you be eating pasta?

pasta (Photo credit: flavorrelish)

I have to admit that I love pasta. But, as a gut-fearing personal trainer, I definitely have to choose the lower GI, nutrient dense whole-wheat variety. During training phases that require or allow for higher carbohydrate intake (higher volume training) I'll eat one whole-wheat pasta meal per day. During other phases (like where I'm trying to lose fat), the pasta stays on the shelf in favor of a higher lean protein, good fat, and fruit and veggie intake.

Restaurant Portions

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Restaurant potions tend to be huge. To help control your portions ask the waiter to immeditaly put half of your meal in a take home box and the bring the rest to your table. Chances are that half portion will satisfy your hunger and you can save the remainder for another day.

Don't Forget Your Veggies

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At every meal eat a rainbow of colors. The more variety of colors in your food, typically the more well-balanced it is. For example, try to include several vegetables of different colors: green, orange, red, and more.

What Should You Drink?

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Don't waste your calories on drinks. One can of cola can pack 150 - 200 calories! Drink low/no calories drinks like water, decaf tea, sparkling water, etc. Switching to low/no calorie drinks can really reduce your daily caloric consumption. Of course, water is always the best choice.

Slow Down

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When eating a meal try to take 20 minutes or longer to finish eating. It takes 20 minutes of chewing before your stomach signals your brain that you are full. It also is better for your digestion.

Do You Drink Enough Water?

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If you have trouble getting enough water daily, try this tip. Fill a 64 ounce (or more) container(s) with water when you start your day. That will let you know how much you need to consume. Make sure that by the end of the day you have drunk the full container(s) amount.  Don’t forget to add in 16 more ounces per hour of exercise you complete.