The 5 A Day for Better Health Program is a national program to encourage all Americans to eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day for good health. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber and other nutrients and contain hundreds of phytochemicals. They are low in fat, contain no cholesterol, and provide numerous health benefits. Along with physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day promotes good health and reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

The national 5 A Day for Better Health Program, established in 1991 as a partnership between the National Cancer Institute and the Produce for Better Health Foundation, is the largest public-private partnership for nutrition and health in the United States and in the world. All national health authorities support 5 A Day including: the Surgeon General of the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Public Health Service, the United States Department of Agriculture, the American Cancer Society, the American Institute for Cancer Research and the American Heart Association.

Less than 40% of all adults eat the recommended 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables. Exercise and proper diet are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are physically fit or not very active, good nutrition is extremely important for overall wellness.

Ways to include 5 fruits or vegetables into your diet:
· Eat plenty of fruits & vegetables at every meal. For snacks, munch on fruits and raw veggies.
· Start your morning off with a glass of 100% fruit juice.
· For breakfast, cut up fruit for cereal, or eat a piece of fresh fruit in the morning
· Have a large salad for lunch. A salad with 3 cups of mixed greens counts as 3 servings.
· For evening snacks, munch on dried fruit, like raisins or dried plums. Just ¼ cup of dried fruit counts as one serving.
· Eat at least 1 vitamin A rich fruit or vegetable, such as cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potato, spinach, or broccoli every day.
· Eat at least 1 vitamin C rich fruit or vegetable, such as grapefruit, oranges, green pepper, or cauliflower every day.
· Eat at least 1 high fiber fruit or vegetable, such as apples, grapefruit, or broccoli every day.
· Eat cabbage family vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage several times a week.

Proper nutrition, along with daily physical activity, can help to prevent various diseases and health conditions. Eating 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day may seem difficult, but if you make the effort, it will become a natural part of your eating regimen. You'll be nourishing your body, while protecting it against harm. Strive to eat 5 fruits and vegetables every day and you'll be on your way to a stronger, healthier life!

For information further information or literature on nutrition and healthy living, stop by the Fitness Center, in Building 97, or call 286-8404.