HAVE A PLANT™

Have a plant. That’s it. No numbers, no specific foods. Just have a plant. This simple message is the new campaign by the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH). Moving past prescriptive messages about how many servings per day, Have a Plant™ focuses on how eating fruits and vegetables can help us feel happier and healthier.

WHY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES?
Eating more fruits and vegetables is thought to improve physical health, but there may be another reason to put some plants on your plate. Recent research suggests that eating more fruits and vegetables might make us happier and more satisfied with life. The DASH diet, which is full of fruits and vegetables, has also been linked to both physical and mental health benefits. With short- and long-term benefits and almost no downside, eating more fruits and vegetables is something we can all focus on.

WHY A NEW MOVEMENT?
Despite years of encouragement, only 1 in 10 of us are getting the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. PBH looked at both behavioral science and consumer research and determined a new approach was needed. It turns out we may be more motivated by the immediate feelings we get from eating well, than the longer-term health benefits. So now, instead of “5-a-day” or “more matters”, we have Have A Plant™ – Food Rooted in a Better Mood.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Have A Plant™ is a call to action and PBH wants us all to join in. The fruitsandveggies.org website has a new look and is full of recipes, tips, seasonal guides and more. A carefully selected team of experts answer questions and offer advice both on the site and through social media. To follow along or join in the conversation, follow #haveaplant.

Reference:

1. Have A Plant™. Produce for Better Health Foundation. Available at fruitsandveggies.org.

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RD
AUGUST 2019
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