You have to eat HOW MANY fruits and veg per day?

As a Pilates instructor, I don't like telling people how to eat. It's such a personal choice impacted by genetics, lifestyle, culture, activity level and beliefs. There are no hard and fast rules (other than Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cool Ranch Doritos aren't your real friends).

However, there is one nutritional guideline I try to keep in mind as I go about my eating day.

For optimal nutrition, the recommendation is to eat 800 grams (by weight) of fruits and vegetables per day. That amounts to about 6 cups (one cup is about the size of a fist for most produce).

At minimum, fruits and veg contain vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) that keep all systems of the body chugging along. They help build DNA and hormones, and allow us to turn food and oxygen into energy. They also help lower levels of inflammation (something to remember next time you're stiff or injured). And they're packed with fiber which helps with digestion and keeps you fuller longer.

What about you? Are you getting enough fruits and vegetables per day?

A whole head of cabbage is a whole lotta veg. Brought to you by Speakeasy Pilates in Lexington, Virginia.