Eat 5 Fruits and Vegetables Every Day

The "5-A-Day for Better Health Program" is a national nutrition campaign, to encourage Americans to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day for better health.

Most Americans already know eating more fruits and vegetables are good for you because they're low in calories and fat; high in vitamins, minerals and fiber; taste great and are the original fast and easy food. However, eating lots of fruits and vegetables as part of a low-fat, high-fiber diet may also help reduce cancer risk.

Any time is a good time to snack on fruits and vegetables. Try dried apples or apricots, applesauce, carrots, bananas, broccoli and any others in the morning, after school or while reading or watching television.

Pack a piece of fruit or a packet of dried fruit in your pocket, briefcase or backpack so it's there when you want it.

Fruits and vegetables come in all sizes, shapes, and lots of colors. They are available fresh, frozen, canned and dried. And, they all count toward getting your "5-A-Day." Many fruits and vegetables, such as a box of raisins, a banana, grapes, an apple, peach, pear or orange, fruit juice, sweet red pepper, carrot sticks and cherry tomatoes are ready to go when you are.

Other vegetables can be ready in about 5 minutes including steamed broccoli or spinach, tossed greens, stir-fried zucchini and yellow squash, or a microwaved sweet potato or baking potato.

Take a minute during the day and count up how many fruits and vegetables you've had already. Most people already eat at least three servings, so adding two more shouldn't be too difficult.