The CDC recently published a new study, based on 2007 data, showing that less than 10 percent of U.S. high school students are eating the combined recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. The USDA recommends that the American adolescent consume at least two servings of fresh fruit and three servings of vegetables daily.
A simple and easy way to be sure that you are eating the right amount of fruits or veggies is to use your fist. Yes that’s right, use your fist. For an individual, the approximate single serving size that is unique to every person is the size of his or her closed fist. Using this measuring tool will ensure that you are receiving the correct amount of fruits and vegetables each day.
Remember, fresh fruits are preferable to those that are canned or dried because they do not contain the artificial sweeteners or added sugars that are put into processed fruits. The same principle applies to vegetables as well. However, with vegetables it is best to eat dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Studies have shown these veggies provide the most health benefits.
A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of
Here at Darlington School, our dining services staff offers a fantastic variety of fresh fruits and vegetables prepared in many different ways, even for the pickiest of eaters. Students and faculty alike are treated to a fresh salad bar twice daily, as well as plenty of options of fresh fruits. Our hats off to the dining services crew for keeping our Darlington family out of the nutrient “danger zone” that so many schools and communities are finding themselves in today!
For more information on recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, please visit www.mypyramid.gov.
