Fruits & Veggies More Matters

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Sani — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:38:47 +0000

Of the different ways to encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, what have you observed to be the most successful?

The Expert — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:14:22 +0000

This is a great question! However, since every child has their own personality, it is hard to say that there is one way that has been most successful. My best answer would be to find a way for your children to have fun with fruits and veggies. Just like their favorite toy, TV show, or activity, if they associate fun with eating their fruits and vegetables, they are more likely to eat them! Here are the Top 10 Ways to Get Kids Involved. Every child is different, so don’t give up! Keep trying new ways to get them to enjoy them, but remember to minimize the amount of pressure with getting them to eat their fruits and vegetables. In time, they will learn to enjoy their fruits and vegetables!

Hi. Inulin is appearing in lots of products these days. I would love to hear your opinion on whether those products are worth buying or should they be avoided? Thank you!

The Expert — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:05:51 +0000

Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides produced by many types of plants including jicama, Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, onions and garlic. It is being used in many processed foods these days because it can replace sugar, fat, and flour, which is an attractive quality for many diet foods. It is also considered a form of soluble fiber so it is added to products to increase their fiber content and is used in fiber supplements. Most inulin is not digested or absorbed in the stomach. It then travels to the colon where bacteria are able to use it to grow. Inulin is attractive because it does not spike blood glucose levels or triglycerides. No upper limit has been set on the amount of inulin you should consume but your body is only able to partially digest this polysaccharide. Consuming a large amount of inulin can cause gas and bloating.

Our recommendation is to eat minimally processed foods, particularly plant-based foods, to get the nutrients and fiber your body needs. Small amounts of added inulin are probably not harmful, however. Remember that many fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber too so they can have some of the same health promoting effects as inulin!

When I was in New Orleansyears ago, I ate at a restaurant called “Three Sisters” and had a marvelousentree that was vegetarian.I wonder if it’s the spicesthey use in that area. Thisis a vague question, I know,but does it make you thinkof any particular reason avegetarian dish in that areawould seem so special?

The Expert — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:58:30 +0000

New Orleans is famous for its food and flavors. Therefore, due to its unique flavor, it is something that many people enjoy and find special. Their cuisine is a combination of local ingredients, French, Spanish, Italian, African, Native American, Cajun, and a hint of Cuban traditions that combine to produce a truly unique and easily recognizable Louisiana flavor. The New Orleans cuisine is also frequently referred to as Louisiana Creole Cuisine. Some spices that are commonly used include parsley, bay leaf, green onions, and cayenne pepper. This cuisine tends to include a lot of hot spices. For more information about the history of New Orleans culture visit their Convention & Visitors Bureau website and try our Governor’s Black Bean Soup (it has cayenne pepper!).

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Sani — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:58:10 +0000

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Sani — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:51:39 +0000

Is spinach part of the cruciferous family

The Expert — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:46:57 +0000

Spinach is not considered part of the cruciferous family. The Cruciferous family includes broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, radishes, kale, collard greens, kohlrabi, rutabaga, and watercress. Spinach is part of the leafy fruit and vegetables family. See our Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Spinach!

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Sani — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:43:49 +0000

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Sani — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:21:53 +0000

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Sani — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:23:04 +0000

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Sani — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:19:31 +0000

can we eat fruits and vegetables along with chapati, cooked vegetable and dal in our lunch

The Expert — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:52:24 +0000

Yes, you can eat fruits and vegetables with your chapatti and dal. Fruits and vegetables are a great addition to any dish! They are delicious when they are eaten by themselves too! Here are the Top 10 Healthy Ways to Cook Fruits and Vegetables.

Is this site affilitated with the Fruit and Veggie Month in September? I cant find the information on the monthly health observance.

The Expert — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:08:52 +0000

Yes, September is Fruits and Veggies—More Matters Month! This means that throughout the month of September (and every month there after) the Produce For Better Health Foundation would like America to join in the health initiative to eat MORE fruits and veggies! In simple, user friendly ways the Fruits and Veggies—More Matters health initiative offers expert cooking advice, nutrition information and shopping tips all available on this website.

In September we will be launching More Matters Pledge: Fruits & Veggies . . . Today and Every Day. Be part of this initiative by Taking the Pledge to start including MORE fruits and veggies into you and your family’s diet each and every day!

I discovere your url on a large “fruits and veggies wheel” someone left in the cafeteria. I would like to buy a couple for my grandkids (and their partents!). Are they available for purchase through your website? Thank you.

The Expert — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:37:22 +0000

Hello,

The wheel that you found in the cafeteria is our Fruits and Veggies Produce Wheel. This can be purchased from our online catalog or you can request a copy of our catalog here. We have lots of nutrition education materials in our catalog that you might be interested in as well.

Thank you!

when is the proper time to serve fresh fruits before snacks or after snacks?

The Expert — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:19:28 +0000

Fresh fruits and vegetables (as well as frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice) can be enjoyed at anytime of the day! They even make great snacks by themselves. Fruits and vegetables are also great additions to your traditional snack foods. Search our snack recipe database for fresh new ideas. Fruits can also easily substitute for any dessert. Try making fruits and vegetables the focal point of all your meals and snacks. By making half of your plate full of fruits and vegetables at each meal as well as snacking on fruits and vegetables throughout the day is the easiest way to eat your recommended amount each day. So, enjoy your fruits and vegetables before, after, or with your meals!