Chances are pretty good during your hectic day, you don't eat enough fruits and vegetables.
Experts tell us, it's a pretty simple task to turn that around.
Nutritionists tell us we should ALL have more fruits and vegetables in our diet. That's the idea behind "meat-out day" - a day designated to go without meat.
"Eat-out day to me is not just about eating fruits and vegetables, but it's an awareness of the healthy alternatives to meat that are good tasting and also good quality protein," said Ruby Hayasaka, Castle nutritionist.
Ruby is justly proud of the display of fruits and vegetables on the Bistro cart in the Castle Medical Center. And yes, you can get protein from them.
"The best source is going to the most natural source and so legumes is a really good source of protein and when it's mixed with whole grains, that becomes a more complete protein," said Hayasaka.
Ruby is clever, though. She knows it might be a difficult task for some folks to change their habits. So she has adapted some island favorites.
"Right here we have a vegetarian loco moco that's made with brown and white rice with a veggie patty over easy eggs and some gravy and we also have scrambled tofu."
The Castle Wellness Center has a number of ways to help those interested in choosing a meat-free diet.
"Such as a vegetarian starter kit that we have available free and just looking at very simple ways to integrate more plant-based eating nutrition into their diets," said Beth Davidann of the Wellness Center.
Davidann says there is statistical evidence that eating more fruits and vegetables can lead to a longer life
"Areas of the world that do tend to eat lower amounts of animal protein do tend to have lower rates of cancer, heart disease, obesity."
But there are populations that include SOME meat in their diets.
"Including Okinawans that tend to eat much more plant-based and use meat more as a condiment if you will. And in much smaller doses."
