what exactly are vegetables?

Question
So i am trying to increase the amount of veggies i eat.  I will tell you up front though that i do not like most veggies.  I love beans (garbonzo, kidney, black)  i do not like the bitter flavor that broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts or asparagus has.  besides being nearly impossible to spell they are also just plain yucky:(  but i do love cucumbers and carrots and fresh corn and fresh peas.  but i have been told by different people that corn and peas should really be placed in the carbs group and that potatos are really a starch.  i really want a nice solid answer that i can bank on.  in other words i need less mumbo jumbo and more straight forward truth.  even if i don't like it.

Answer
Hello Ann!

  Since you are not big on vegetables I would recommend checking out www.juiceblend.com where you can purchase a whole food nutrition supplement made entirely from fresh vegetables.  This is an easy and convenient way to get them in your diet.
  The new food pyramid classifies potatoes, corn and peas as a starchy vegetable that should eaten in moderation so you are correct.  
   The American Cancer Society recommends eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day to help prevent cancer. These foods contain important vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants and are usually low in calories.

In general, vegetables with the MOST color -- green, red, yellow, and orange -- have the most nutrients.  


Eating at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits each day may not be that hard to do when when you look at how small one serving really is:


1/2 cup of fruit
1 medium piece of fruit
1/4 cup of dried fruit
3/4 cup (6 ounces) of 100% fruit or vegetable juice
1 cup of leafy vegetables
1/2 cup of cooked or raw vegetables  

Let me know if you have more questions.

-George Rapitis, MS
www.planetyorgos.com  

1. Prev:headache
2. Next:Spot reducing and a diet to lose stomach fat