BackArticle submitted by Oxford Health Plans.
For more information, they can be reached at 1-800-303-6720 (TDD: 1-800-201-4874), or visit their website: www.oxfordhealth.com.
While it's easy to pick up a cookie to satisfy a sweet tooth, we all know that an apple or strawberry is a much healthier option. Promises to change one's eating habits tomorrow often don't work out, and now that summer is here, it's the perfect time to take advantage of the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available. Delicious tasting, these treats are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
"Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories and fat, yet high in fiber, " said Alan M. Muney, M.D., chief medical officer at Oxford Health Plans. "They can help people lose or maintain their weight, and still feel full and satisfied."
Oxford offers some helpful hints to make your summer meals and Snacks more nutritious:
- For salads, be sure to use dark green leaves such as spinach or romaine lettuce. These are loaded with antioxidants.
- Add beans to salads and soups to boost the protein content and enhance the taste and texture. Chickpeas, kidney beans, pinto beans and red beans are all healthy, nutritious choices.
- Don't get stuck in a food rut; choose from a variety of vegetables. Go for deep or brightly colored vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, squash, and carrots. Bright, rich colors are a sign of highly nutritious foods filled with vitamins and minerals.
- Aim for a variety of colorful fruits such as kiwis, different kinds of berries, tangerines and melons - the more color the more nutrients.
- Adding grains to soups and salads will boost carbohydrates intake and help make the meals more filling and satisfying. Instead of plain white rice, try different grains like brown rice, bulgar, barley, kasha, millet or buckwheat, which have more nutritional value.
- For even more satisfying meals, toss lean chicken or grilled fish onto salads to add protein, vitamins, minerals and the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids