So why are fruits and vegetables so darn good for you?

You have probably heard that veggies and fruits are good for you, but do you know why?  Well, along with their great taste and versatilitiy, vegetables and fruit are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fibre and disease-fighting phytochemicals.  These are the things you need to help keep your body "in motion."

Also, research shows that eating 5 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruit a day can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer.  These are pretty good reasons to eat lots of fruits and veggies.

Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide recommneds that Canadian teenagers and adults eat 7 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruit each day, while children need 4 to 6 servings.  That might seem like a lot, but it's not as much as you think!

* Eat the whole fruit or vegetable more often. It will give you more fibre and less sugar or salt than drinking fruit or vegetable juice.

Summer and fall in Manitoba are great times to enjoy fresh and local produce. Here are some tips on how to maximize your fresh veggie and fruit servings:

• Grow your own veggie and fruit garden. You don't need a lot of space - try growing herbs on a balcony garden or in a sunny window. Gardening in your yard is also a great way to stay "in motion."
• Bike or walk to a local farmers' market - the produce is fresher and tastier, it helps food dollars remain in the local commuinty and you get to meet the people who grow your food.
• Looking for a inexpensive, fun family outing? Visit a farm that allows you to "pick your own produce." Vegetables and fruit don't get any cheaper, fresher or more delicious than this and it is a great way to stay "in motion."
• Not sure what to do with all those fresh vegetables and fruit? Freeze or can them to use in the winter when they're not so readily available.

Below are a few delicious, nutritious recipes to try.  For more tips and recipes using vegetables and fruit, visit www.5to10aday.com.