Healthy Heart Month Means A Plate Filled With Vegetables

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 5: Healthy Hearts and Vegetables

Saving the best food group for last, it is time to talk VEGGIES!.  All vegetables and 100% vegetable juice count as vegetables.   Vegetables are rich in so many vitamins, minerals, nutrients and fiber.  The special thing about this food group is it also low in fat and calories.  So you can really fill up on vegetables and not worry about your weight.  Vegetables, like fruit, are associated with preventing heart disease including heart attacks.  The fiber also helps lower the bad cholesterol (LDLs) and increases the good heart healthy cholesterol (HDLs).

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

Unlike some of the other food groups, most adults and kids don't get enough vegetables.  This is one food group that you don't have to worry about portion control and setting limits.  This is a food that you want to include at every meal and more than one.  

Heart Health Tip: Buy vegetables in season and get better pricing.  You can also buy canned and frozen for out of season vegetables.

More Vegetable 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.

How To Add More Vegetables To Your Family's Meal

We all know vegetables are good for you. They are the largest food group on the My Plate symbol. That is because they are the most important food group filled with vitamins and minerals that your child needs to grow healthy and fight disease. Follow these tips to get your family eating more vegetables every day!

Parents' Guide About The Health Benefits Of The Vegetable Group

The children ask "Why do we have to eat vegetables?" and your response is "because it is good for you." Here are the key reasons you can share with children about the health benefits of vegetables.

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

Vegetables are an important part of everyone's diet. Learn just how much vegetables you and your child need for a healthy balanced meal. Serving size recommendations listed by age. based on the USDA guidelines.

Parents Guide - List Of Vegetables By Season

The most economical way to buy vegetables are when they are fresh and in season. We have put together of all the vegetables by season.

Parent Guide - Vegetables Listed By Colors

Help your children color their plates with all the colors of the rainbow! We have put together a complete list of vegetables by color!

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!

Learning About The Vegetable Food Group

Nice overview of the foods from the vegetable group. Article also includes tips on how to buy vegetables whether you are shopping at the grocery store or at your local farmer's market.

Vegetables To Grill

Try some of our family's favorite vegetables to grill this summer! There are so many different vegetables that you can add to your barbecue menu for a healthy meal that helps children meet their serving requirements. Our dietitians share some cooking tips for grilling vegetables that the whole familiy will enjoy.

Grilling Vegetables

Grilling healthier food choices this summer by adding vegetables to your barbecue menu. Cooking outdoors with your kids and family is a great way to role model good nutrition with healthy food choices that are fun! Plan a healthier and creative barbecue this summer with grilled vegetables.

The Tasty Nutritious Vegetable - The Potato

Use potatoes to add more vegetables to your meal and your kids will love It. Our dietiians share tips and tricks on how to use this tasty vegetables to get children to eat more vegetables. Potatoes are easy to cook and combined with other vegetables will help your child meet their vegetable servings requirements.

Potato Nutrition Information And Resources

Potatoes are a healthy vegetable that has important vitamin and minerals. We have put togheter some Interesting facts about potatoes that you can share with your children.

Guide To Common Portion And Serving Size From The Vegetable Group

What Counts As A Vegetable Serving? The vegetable group is an important food group that provides children with much needed vitamins and minerals for growing a healthy body that can fight off diseases. Here is a guide to make a healthy serving of vegetable from the My Plate vegetable food group.