Fruits & Veggies — More Matters®

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans now recommend that Americans double the amount of fruits and vegetables they currently eat. The Produce for Better Health Foundation offers the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® health initiative, a program that offers expert cooking advice, nutrition information and shopping tips.

Eating a colorful variety of fruits and veggies provides wider range of valuable nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and potassium. California Avocados are part of The Produce for Better Health Foundation's Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® health initiative in the green fruit category. This program offers expert cooking advice, nutrition information and shopping tips.

The natural antioxidants in fruits and vegetables will help keep your body working at its best, so consuming a diet that meets your daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to give your body a strong defense against disease. Fruits and vegetables are protective to health as they’re helpful at reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and some cancers. They’re also low in calories, which helps prevent obesity … a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

California Avocados and MyPlate

One of the best things you can do when working toward a healthy diet is to put more fruits and vegetables on your plate. As a matter of fact, the USDA and Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) recommend that you fill “half your plate” with fruits and vegetables. Fresh, fruits and vegetables provide you with essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and fiber. California Avocados, which are in season from the spring through the summer, are a great ingredient to include in nutritious meals that you need to put together quickly. They add a delicious, creamy flavor to dishes, require very little prep work and contribute “good fats,” along with nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to one’s diet.

On June 2nd First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled an exciting new food icon, “MyPlate,” to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. MyPlate promotes filling “half your plate with fruits and vegetables” and is a replacement for the Food Pyramid. This science-based, government recommendation to make half your plate fruits and vegetables is a significant and positive step in the battle to fight obesity and related health issues in America and should increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Learn How California Avocados Fit Into MyPlate

MyPlate Makeover Challenge

In an effort to help consumers reach the half your plate with fruits and vegetables goal, PBH has developed the  “MyPlate Makeover Challenge,” to make half your plate fruits & veggies. Enter the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters MyPlate Makeover Challenge and show how you are making your family healthier by following the new USDA Dietary Guidelines.  You will automatically be entered to win a free $100 grocery gift card and receive a coupon or fruit and vegetable related. Check out the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters website for complete details. Or, participate in the conversation by offering advice, tips, and comments to consumers about their plates and encourage friend and co-workers to do the same!

Featured Recipes

Below are featured California Avocado recipes that meet the Fruits & Veggies - More Matters guidelines.

View all Fruits & Veggies - More Matters recipes now.