How are you doing on fruits and vegetables?

How are you doing on fruits and vegetables?

Most people know that fruits and vegetables are good-for-you foods. That's confirmed by the recommendations of many groups, including the National Cancer Institute. NCI suggests that Americans eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

What's a serving? It's:

• 6 oz juice
• 1/2 cup cut-up fruit or vegetable
• 1 cup leafy vegetable
• 1/2 cup cooked dried peas or beans
• 1/4 cup dried fruit

Did you know that dried peas and beans are vegetables too?

What are dried peas and beans? Kidney, lima, black, and pinto beans; chickpeas; split peas; and lentils are just a few examples. They are vegetables, just like carrots and squash, but they have some special qualities, too. Here's why you should make them a regular part of your healthy eating:

1.  They are high in fiber and rich in vitamins and minerals.

2.  They are low in fat.

3.  They are high in protein and minerals. For these reasons, dried peas and beans also qualify as part of the meat group in the USDA/DHHS Food Guide Pyramid.

4.  They are easy to fix and go well with lots of other foods.

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