ROCKLAND WEATHER

Wellness Weekly 6: Fruits And Veggies, And Staying Motivated As January Ends

Wellness Weekly 6: Fruits And Veggies, And Staying Motivated As January Ends

By Idy Perl

Welcome back to another Wellness Weekly installment! This week we uncover truths about fruits and veggies and clear up some misconceptions about those delicious, nutrient packed foods. Also, as January comes to a close it's easy to lose sight of the goals you set at the beginning of the year, but don't let the monotony of winter get to you! Check out this week's "Mind And Body Exercise" to regain the motivation you had at the start of the year. 

Myth Buster

Myth: Vegetables lose nutrients and become less healthy when they’re cooked or frozen.

Truth: Frozen vegetables (and fruits), if they’re frozen right after they’re picked actually don’t lose any nutrients and are just as healthy and beneficial as when they’re fresh. As for cooking vegetables, although certain ones might lose a few nutrients during cooking, it can also boost levels of certain nutrients and makes them more digestible. For example, cooking increases the levels of the antioxidant lycopene that is found in tomatoes, as well as the amount of digestible carotenoids in carrots, spinach, mushrooms and cabbage.

 

Healthy Hacks

Fruit smoothies are a delicious and healthy way to start your day. To mix it up a little, try making a smoothie bowl and garnish it with your favorite toppings!

To make the smoothie, blend bananas, frozen strawberries or a blend of your favorite frozen fruits with some milk or yogurt. You can add frozen acai, chia or flax seeds, peanut butter, or avocado for some added taste and nutrients.

Pour it into a bowl and top with granola and sliced fresh fruit and dig in!

 

Wellness Wisdom

There is often confusion about the natural sugars found in fruits and whether they are healthy or not. As with most things in life, those natural sugars are perfectly healthy, in moderation. Fruits are packed with many essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which all help regulate blood sugar levels and balance out the sugars found in the fruit. However, eating too much sugar, even natural ones, can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, so it’s best not to overindulge. The recommended intake of fruit is around 2 cups per day for adults.

 

Mind and Body Exercise

We’re (finally) nearing the end of January, and the exercise resolutions we made at the beginning of the year might be at risk of disappearing along with the melting snow. Before the month ends, take the time to sit down and remind yourself why you started. Figure out what motivators work best for you and implement them before you lose momentum. Most importantly, keep going!

 

Sharing Is Caring

What’s your favorite way to get some extra fruits and veggies into your daily diet?


Attorney General Warns Businesses Against Price Gouging Eggs
  • Jan 29 2025
  • |
  • 1:47 PM

ICE Officers Search For Illegal Immigrant In Monsey
  • Jan 29 2025
  • |
  • 11:26 AM

Be in the know

receive RocklandDaily’s news & updates on whatsapp

 Start Now