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Cyclospora cases remain low in Arizona, but a new CBS News poll finds 40% of people are buying or eating less produce
Registered dietitian Jamie Miller of Village Health Clubs and Spas said produce provides key nutrients and antioxidants. For those making changes to their diets, she says there are ways to maintain nutrition
For those cutting back on fruits like raspberries, Miller says other foods can help fill the fiber gap
“Flax and chia seeds, maybe on your yogurt instead of fresh berries. Or things like beans could be a great thing to be able to incorporate that fiber into your diet that you’re missing from the fresh produce,” she said
Beans, flax and chia seeds are among the fiber-rich alternatives Miller recommends
For those avoiding lettuce, Miller says cucumber and cabbage can serve as substitutes
“If you’re not going to have lettuce, I would probably say cucumber could be a good one because that could be something you would add to a sandwich for crunch, right? Another thing I probably would say would be cabbage so take off those outer leaves. That could be a not lettuce based one to have again that crunch and variety like a normal salad,” she explained
For those being cautious about fresh produce, Miller said frozen fruits and vegetables are a nutritious option
“Sometimes people think that frozen fruits and vegetables are not as nutritious. They actually are more nutritious. Because what happens is, is you basically seal in all those nutrients when you flash freeze it,” she explained
Frozen berries can be turned into a sauce and added to yogurt, or used in smoothies
Miller says frozen vegetables can be prepared in ways that improve their texture
“For vegetables, I like to try to get rid of the water content. So maybe if you’re doing like bell peppers and onions, getting a really high sear to get rid of that water content,” she said
For those using less fresh herbs, dried herbs are an alternative. Growing herbs at home is another option
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