Eating to Win.

I receive an email newsletter every couple of weeks that features a nutrition column by a Grand Rapids nutritionist Sheryl Lozicki, RD, MBA. Most of her columns are worth the read, and if anything are a good reminder of having good eating habits. A good analogy for the power of having excellent eating habits is that of a car. Fuel for a formula race car is of the highest quality because the car needs to go as fast as possible and the fuel for an everyday car is of a much lower quality. Now relate this to yourself. If you eat the highest quality food possible it will allow your body to perform at its best. If you eat average to low quality foods it will not be able to perform at its maximum. Some food for thought!

Anyways the column for Sheryl...

E2 EATING & EXERCISE FOR OPTIMAL FITNESS:
MAKE 1/2 YOUR PLATE FRUITS & VEGETABLES
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The Healthy People 2010 objectives are nearing the end of their 10 year plan. The objective for fruits and vegetables is to increase the proportion of Americans over 2 year of age consuming > 2 servings of fruit daily to > 75% and > 3 servings of vegetables to > 50%. Unfortunately, Michigan like most ranks in the norm as a poor consumer with only 10-14% of the population meeting the goal.

Why the push? Fruits and vegetables are a cheap form of health prevention. They are rich in phytochemicals that halt, lessen or prevent disease and are a great source of antioxidants which help repair the tissue damage caused by long runs and sprints. They are also part of a high fiber diet that has been shown to reduce risk for obesity and cancer, lower cholesterol and improve blood glucose levels. If you have younger family members try www.theportionplate.com as a fun way to serve up healthy meals. If you are looking for ideas on how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet go to www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov. This site will calculate your individual fruit and vegetable needs, provide good budget ideas, identify recipes for picky eaters and feature a special fruit and vegetable of the month.
Sheryl Lozicki, RD, MBA
sdlozicki@comcast.net - 616-443-1501
http://E2dietitian.com
http://twitter.com/e2dietitian
http://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryllozicki

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