OSDH Says Oklahomans Should Eat More Fruits and Veggies - KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather & Sports

OSDH Says Oklahomans Should Eat More Fruits and Veggies

The Oklahoma State Department of Heath suggests that an apple a day could keep more than the doctor away.  Eating your daily fruits and vegetables may actually help you keep unwanted pounds away as well.  

The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported recently that nearly one-third of adults in Oklahoma are obese. Not surprisingly, Oklahoma ranks last among all states in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are critical in the fight against obesity.

In an effort to promote the need for Oklahomans to make healthier food choices and to eat more fruits and vegetables, the OSDH Center for the Advancement of Wellness supports September as National Fruits & Veggies-More Matters® Month!

"Your mom was right when she said to eat your fruits and veggies," says Keith Reed, director of the Center for the Advancement of Wellness at the Oklahoma State Department of Health. "Eating fruits and vegetables is a sound investment in long-term health. Adding more to your diet is easy and can be inexpensive when you remember that all product forms count: fresh, frozen, canned, dried or 100 percent juice."

 Reed suggested using the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "My Plate" as a healthy eating guide. "My Plate" encourages making half your plate fruits and vegetables as a way to improve health and control weight. To view the "My Plate" recommendations visit www.choosemyplate.gov.

 To learn how to add more fruits and veggies to your diet, visit www.shapeyourfutureok.com.