Eat your Veggies part 2

Did you know that there are good veggies (or fruit ) choices out there, and there are bad choices? Some products, with "vegetable" or "fruit" in their names or on their packaging, are composed mainly of fat or sugar or are very high in salt. Fruit candies, vegetable chips, fruit jams or spreads, ketchup, as well as vegetable or fruit drinks or punches do not belong in the Vegetables and Fruit food group. Similarly fruit juices or "beverages" may contain only a small amount of real vegetable or fruit juice. To eat healthy, you have to read the label and assess each choice.

Dark green vegetables are important sources of folate; they boost cell production which reduces anemia and increases brain function. Examples include arugula, asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collards, fresh parsley, green peas, mustard greens, romaine lettuce and spinach.

Orange vegetables are rich in carotenoids such as betacarotene, which the body converts to vitamin A; it helps with vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division and regulates the immune system. These include carrots, pumpkins, orange-coloured squash and sweet potatoes.

Some orange-coloured fruit such as apricots, cantaloupe, mango and papaya are also important sources of carotenoids; they can help prevent cancer. People can eat them in place of an orange vegetable. Oranges, though a good source of nutrients such as folate and vitamin C, are not a good source of carotenoids.

Eat at least one dark green and one orange vegetable each day...You can do it, wherever you are - at home, at school, at work or when eating out!

Let me know how your training is going? Let's connect at info@gaiaadventures.com.


UPCOMING EVENTS:
Boot camp class: for Nice and Friendly People: starting Thursday May 19, 6:00pm to 7:00pm False Creek park. Try this outdoors class that is geared for less impact and less strain, but delivers great gains. Classes run weekly during the summer. You can join in anytime. Register for 4 classes, only $50 (includes taxes) special introductory price, valid over 60 days period. Call or email today (max 12).

Hike of the month: Saturday May 28, at 1:00pm, Pacific Spirit Park trails, open to women aged 19 and older. Join me on a 2 hours hike, suitable for all fitness levels and ages, in this beautiful coastal forest. Cost is $7 for you or bring a friend and each pay $5 each. You get a warm-up, 3 strength moves and stretches to help you hike stronger, with an experienced and qualified personal trainer and guide. To register for this hike, email me at info@gaiaadventures.com or call 604 329.1257 (max 15).



Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures, Personal Training and Body Ball Workshops
http://www.gaiaadventures.com
604 329.1257
An invitation to love your life