Eat 3-5 Servings of Vegetables a Day

UW-Extension Update by Sheryl Leonard, Nutrition Education Coordinator, UW Extension, Sheboygan County


How many times did you hear as a child, "Finish all your vegetables…Vegetables are good for you"?  Vegetables supply fiber, minerals and vitamins to our diet.

 Key nutrients include:

Vitamin A - which keeps our skin and eyes healthy
Carbohydrates
- that give us energy
Fiber
- helps with bowel movement and prevents constipation
Iron
- in blood oxygen is carried
Vitamin C
- aids in absorbing iron and helps cuts and wounds heal.

What is a serving size exactly?

In the Adult Food Guide Pyramid, it is recommended that a serving size of cooked or raw chopped vegetables is one-half cup.

Leafy vegetables such as salads and greens a serving size is one cup.

How can I get my family to eat more vegetables?

  • Set an example for your children by eating vegetables yourself.
  • Be the positive role model.
  • Offer a large variety to increase nutrients: different colors, shapes and textures can be a positive experience as well.
  • Add vegetables to casseroles, soups, breads and ground meats.
  • Offer vegetables with a dip or dressing.
  • Combine fruits with vegetables

Recipe

Carrot Apple Salad

What You'll Need
2 medium carrots (1 C.), grated
3 medium firm apples (diced)
1 T. lemon juice (to prevent browning)
1/2 C. raisins, dates or figs
1/3 C. fat free salad dressing
Salad greens
1 C. seedless grapes     

Directions
Combine all ingredients above except the greens.  Place mixture in refrigerator to be chilled.  After cleaning greens, place in large bowl.

Put combined mixture on top of greens.  Garnish with grapes.

Serves 4.



Top of Page
UW Extension Column Archive

 

Home | About | How To Join | Volunteer | Locations | Email Newsletter
Calendars | Resources | Order Online! | Contact Us | Help | Website Map | Privacy