Question:
Is the recommended 5 servings of fruit and veggies a day too much?

I always hear that we should get in a total of 5 servings of vegetables and fruits each day. I also read at this site to be careful of having too many carbs. I want to be healthy and not just thinner....should I be trying to get in these 5 servings? I'm thinking 3 or 4 of veggies and 1 or 2 of fruit. Thanks for any advice.    — Donna L. (posted on February 19, 2002)

February 18, 2002
I couldn't get in much food at all until about 4 months post-op. I'm 11 months post-op now and still can't get in the recommended 5 servings of fruits/vegs., but I sure do better now than at first. My opinion on carbs is that moderate amounts of these are fine. I am sure there are many who do not agree with me. I don't believe in 100% protein, since I just don't think that's healthy. Fruits/vegs are a great source of nutrition for your body, as long as you choose the low-carb fruits (grapefruit, watermelon, etc.) as versus the high-carb fruits (grapes, bananas, etc.) which could cause you to dump. Take your vitamins, eat reasonably and you'll be fine.
   — Terissa R.

February 18, 2002
You may want to look into Juice Plus as a solution to this problem. My nutritionist recommends them as a vitamin choice. Juice Plus is 17 fruits and veggies in capsule, chewable tablet, or gummy form. (There is a website if you want more info.) My husband uses the capsules (two fruit in the morning and two veggies in the evening). After surgery, I switched to the gummies but will be switching back to the capsules when I finish my current supply. (The capsules can be opened and mixed with apple sauce, water, or juice.) I highly recommend these but be sure to run it past your nutritionist and/or doctor first.
   — gracie30269

February 18, 2002
In my nutrition classes, the dietician said that fruit sugars will not make you dump. I'm not post op so I don't know for myself yet. I believe that when people talk about staying away from carbs, they are really talking about starches. Remember that a serving of vegetables is very small, 1/2 cup. And a serving of fruit is a small banana, a small apple, etc. As the other poster said, your body needs protein, carbohydrates AND fat to function properly.
   — garw

February 19, 2002
Donna L - I wasn't sure if you understand this part, so I will clarify. It is 5 servings of fruits AND/OR veggies, not 5 of each. I don't think you have to worry so much about his, we can't follow the food pyramid - its just too much food. I couldn't possibly eat 6-11 servings of grain each day. Eat a balanced diet, that is always ideal. And I agree with the other poster, a serving is surprisingly small. The little cans of V-8, with 35 calories are a serving. I try for one of those a day. Good for salty cravings.
   — M. A. B.

February 19, 2002
Thanks for the responses, it has been helpful. I understand that its 5 servings total...when I wrote 'each' I was referring to each day. Thanks again.
   — Donna L.

February 19, 2002
I have dumped on fruit before, and didn't much care for it! But a "serving" doesn't have to be a WHOLE apple or orange. I can get 3 of my mini meals out of a large apple or orange. I put 'em in a zip lok baggie & keep in th fridge.
   — vitalady