Healthy Heart Month Means Fresh Fruits

February is national Heart Health month and a reminder to all of us about ways we can keep our hearth healthy through diet and exercise.  

For the next few blogs, I am going to focus on each of the food groups and what foods keep our heart healthy and what foods may not be so healthy for you and your family's heart.  And yes, that includes children because believe it or not, unhealthy changes in the heart can begin during childhood.  

Part 4: Healthy Hearts and Fruits

Moving on to one of my favorite food groups, the FRUIT food group.The fruit group includes all the foods that we call fruit and includes citrus fruits, berries, melons and apples to name some of the larger categories of fruits.  Fruits are loaded with vitamins and minerals naturally.  There is also a strong correlation between people who eat fruit as part of the everyday meal and a reduction in the risk of heart disease including heart attacks.

Fruits come in all sorts of different colors.  The deeper a color is, in general, the more vitamins and nutrients are found in that fruit.  Different colors also represent different vitamins and nutrients.  So color your plate with different fruits.

Heart Health Tip: To help your heart stay healthy fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables  Pick different colors throughout the week.  

Fruits are naturally higher in sugar, called fructose.  It is much better to eat your fruit than drink it.  This is because when you drink your fruit, you are not getting the natural fiber and nutrients found in the skin of the fruit or pulp.  You will also get a more concentrated amount of sugar from the fruit when you drink fruit juice rather than eat.  Finally, many of the fruit juices sold in the store will have added sugar so the sugar content can be just as high as the amount of sugar in a can of soda!

Heart Health Tip: To help your heart stay healthy eat your fruits rather than drink it.  If you want fruit juice, choose a 6-ounce serving of 100% fruit juice with no added sugar once a day.  

More Fruit Food Group Resources

Increasing Your Child’s Fruits And Vegetables – It’s Not As Hard As You May Think

How To Get Kids Eating More Fruits And Vegetables: Fun and easy ways to encourage kids to eat more healthy fruits and vegetables, how to increase kids daily intake of fruits and vegetables easy practical nutrition tips for parents, promote daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables for children, fruits- vegetables food groups, easy food nutrition facts, practical easy ways to encourage more daily fruits and vegetables for busy parents and healthy kids

Peaking Your Child's Interest In Fruits And Vegetables

Of course, you want your kids to eat healthier foods but the challenge is how do you do this without nagging and creating a negative experience at the dinner table. That is the real challenge! Ways to get your child excited about fruits and vegetables.

Parents' Guide About The Health Benefits Of The Fruit Group

Learn about the fruit group and the many benefits it provides to your child's body.

Fruit Group - How Much Fruit Does Your Child And Family Really Need?

How Much Fruit Does Your Family Need? A guide to the amount of fruit your family needs by age group.

Parents Guide To Understanding What Is The Fruit Food Group

Fresh fruit is whole fruit that you will find in season in grocery stores, farmer markets or even your own garden! Eating fresh fruit is the most natural way to eat it and get all the nutrients that are can be lost when preserved. Learn the definition of the fruit group and the various ways you can buy fruit.

Ways To Add More Fruit At Every Meal

My Plate reminds families and children to fill half their plate with fruits an vegetables. Simple suggestions to increase fruit in your family's meals.

Fruits and Vegetables Budget Shopping

Produce shopping on a budget tips for parents. With everyone watching their budget, we all are looking for ways to save money but still buy the healthier food items. Buy fruits and vegetables without busting your wallet!

How To Grill Fruits For A Sweet Family BBQ

Add a little sweet taste to this year's barbecue menu! Adding fruit to your grilling options is easier than you think. Enjoy the outdoors and add a little sweetness that is healthier and kids will love!

Fruits To Grill

Enjoy some of our family favorite fruits to grill. Ideas and tips for best fruits to grill for a healthier barbecue for the whole family.

Parents Guide - List Of Fruits By Season

If you are looking to buy fruits that are in season, this page is for you! Handy guide to finding fruits by season.

Parent Guide - Fruits Listed By Colors

Children love color and fruits come in all the colors of the rainbow. Use this guide to introduce children to the fruits food group organized by color.

Guide To Common Portion And Serving Size From The Fruit Group

Learn the servings for the fruit group. How much fruit makes one serving. The fruit group is an important food group that provides children with much vitamins and minerals for fighting off disease. Here is a guide to makes a healthy serving of fruit from the My Plate fruit food group.