Why I Am Trying to Eat More Fruit & You Should Too!

Did you know that most American adults are not getting enough fruit?  It was found that only 12.3% of adults eat the recommended daily serving of fruit, based on research completed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  So, we are saying that about 88% of American adults are not meeting the fruit recommendation.  So I ask the question, are you?

I created this handy table to help you figure out how much fruit you should be eating per day.  

So looking at this chart you might be wondering, what counts as a cup? 

First, 1 cup of fresh, frozen or canned fruit all counts.  To give you some ideas, think of bananas, apple slices, peaches in fruit cup, berries, pears, you name it! Remember, if you are buying prepackaged, look at that label and make sure it’s stored in it’s natural juices.  Now 3 blueberries in blueberry pancakes doesn’t count fully BUT maybe a side of blueberries gets you to around 1 cup.    Also don’t forget dried fruit.  A serving of dried fruit is ½ cup. Right now, I’m into dried mango from Aldi as a snack but pick whatever you like! Maybe dried pineapple or raisins/craisins are your thing! Dried fruit is perfect as a snack and is shelf stable. Lastly, 1 cup of 100% fruit juice counts towards your goal.  Make sure to read the label to assure it’s 100% of the real stuff.  

Now that you know what counts, are you a part of the 88% of Americans falling behind on your fruit intake?

If you are, it’s time to get those numbers up!

Maybe you add blueberries to your yogurt, have an apple with peanut butter as a snack, grill pineapple with your chicken for dinner.  It can happen! 

Now please don’t get stuck in your ways of eating the same fruit day in and day out… variety is key!  We like to say “eat the rainbow” meaning eat as many different colors as you can to get all those key nutrients in!  There’s so many, you don’t want to miss out.  

I challenge you to brainstorm on how you are going to try some new fruits or add more into your daily routine! Maybe you are exploring the produce section or farmer’s market with your kids or significant other, chopping your fruit into a different shape or keeping them visible in the kitchen as a reminder to eat them up.   I know you can do it, and if you need help, you know how to reach us! 

Cheers to all fruit!

P.S. Go explore what is in season! June in Pennsylvania brings us all the berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries) and cherries! 

References: 

https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/fruits

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7101a1.htm

https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf