From the Holladay Health Corner

Challenge yourself to eat more fruits and vegetables

Holladay Properties is committed to the health and well-being of its associates. With that in mind, Holladay has joined with UMR Care Management to provide more ways to help our associates live the healthiest life possible. Currently, our company is participating in the first of three wellness challenges offered though the company’s health insurance provider – the Better Bites challenge.

While this challenge is designed to help those enrolled in the company’s health insurance to earn wellness premiums, the idea behind The Better Bites is something that everyone can benefit from. The challenge encourages individuals to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Participants also receive tips and motivational messages to help them stick with their healthy food choices. 

There are several ways you can increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, and many reasons why you should. 

Why eat fruits and vegetables?

• Eating fruits and vegetables is integral to maintaining a healthy body.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, and protect against certain types of cancer. (Source: USDA)
• Fruits and vegetables are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, folate, and vitamins A and C. (Source: USDA)
• Many fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium, which may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. (Source: USDA)
• Eating fruits and vegetables that are lower in calories per cup than other foods help you lower calories intake, which can help in weight loss goals. (Source: USDA)
• Fruits and vegetables lower the risk of eye and digestive problems. (Source: Harvard School of Public Health)
• Fruits and vegetables also have a positive effect on blood sugar and can help control appetite, as well as reduce the risk of diabetes. (Source: Harvard School of Public Health)

How can you eat more fruits and vegetables?

• Store ready to eat fruits and vegetables where you can see them so you’re more likely to grab them when you want a snack. (Source: Harvard School of Public Health)
• Add fruits or vegetables to your breakfast so you get that first serving out of the way early. Try adding vegetables to your eggs or potatoes, add fruit to your cereal, or make smoothie. (Source: American Heart Association)
• Challenge yourself to eat at least one new fruit or vegetable every week – there’s an incredible variety out there so don’t be afraid to try something new. (Source: Harvard School of Public Health)
• Keep track of how many fruits and vegetables you eat so that you can be sure to meet your needs. (Source: Harvard Health Publishing)
• Substitute dried fruit like raisins or dates for a not-so-healthy snack. (Source: American Heart Association)
• Try eating vegetable-rich stews and soups, which are easy and convenient.  (Source: Harvard Health Publishing)

For those of you who want to improve your overall health, lose weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and improve your eye and digestive health, eating more fruits and vegetables is a great way to start. Good luck!