Eat up!

Have you eaten enough veggies today? According to the U.S. government's newly updated guidelines, you might want to reach for another helping.

The guidelines recommend sensible eating habits that may prevent obesity-related diseases such as diabetes. "Our goal is to encourage a healthier lifestyle," says Marcus Brownrigg of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an agency involved in the update. Some of the advice: daily exercise and a diet richer in fruits and vegetables. So dust off your running shoes, and think more peas--and fewer pies.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

Compared with the old dietary recommendations, the new guidelines nearly double the suggested amount of fruits and vegetables one should eat each week *. If you were to follow the new guidelines, how many servings of vegetables would you eat daily?

** = 1 serving (1/2 cup) of vegetables

*** = 1 serving (1/2 cup) of fruit or fruit juice

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

* BASED ON A 2,000-CALORIE DIET

SOURCE: THE DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS

This brochure from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and USDA translates the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans into easy-to-follow advice on diet and exercise: www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/pdf/brochure.pdf