Do you get your 5?

The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.
Anthony Robbins

We all know we are supposed to eat at least 5 servings (9 for men) of fruits and vegetables a day.
Most people’s excuse is that it is difficult to have them available.

Most supermarkets have the produce department right by the door. Fruits are pretty much ready to eat (except for washing). Recently, I have been cutting up about 4-6 different fruits (like bananas, apples, oranges, pears, grapes, craisins (dried cranberries) and pomegranates in season and create a salad by adding some nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds. Sometimes I add a couple of table spoons vanilla yogurt. A bowl of this salad can be a healthy breakfast or a healthy dessert.

With vegetables it is the same, have them handy. Cut up raw carrots and celery, peppers, kohlrabi, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. With some dip, it is not only a wonderful snack, it is easy to pack up for lunches or on the go.
Most supermarkets sell ready to serve salad mixes, or even cut up veggies.
This time of the year I love to cook cabbages, Brussels sprouts, make soups from potatoes, broccoli, corn chowders, etc.

What are the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables each day? Fresh produce contains the life energy, enzymes and vitamins and minerals which our body needs to renew the cells every day and to give us energy.
Most packaged foods are processed and even though they fill us up, they don't give us the nutrients we need. Some people suggest that we can spread our choices over a week. I find myself craving fresh fruits after a few days.

I subscribe to the sparkpeople website and get all kinds of good information every day, including recipes, fitness advice, and even motivation to stay on track.

What is considered a serving? One serving equals:
1 medium piece of fruit
1/2 cup fruit (raw, canned, or frozen)
1/2 cup cooked vegetables (canned or frozen)
1 cup raw vegetables
1/4 cup dried fruit
4-6 oz. of 100% juice (serving size depends on the type of juice)
1/2 cup cooked peas or beans

If you still have a hard time to get your fruits and vegetables, you may want to get a hold of the MonaVie juice. It is powered with nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc.