You know that vegetables are important for your health and well being, but there are a number of facts that many people don’t know about getting your daily greens. These helpful facts from the USDA will give you some insight into the world of vegetables.

Vegetables are organized into five subgroups.
Based on their nutritional content, vegetables are categorized as either dark green vegetables, starchy vegetables, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas, and other vegetables.

You can get your daily veggies from a variety of sources.
Fresh vegetables are the most obvious choice, but cooked, frozen, canned, dried/dehydrated, and 100% vegetable juices are also valid sources.

Eating the proper amount of vegetables can prevent certain diseases.
Getting enough vegetables can help to prevent heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and may decrease kidney stones and bone loss.

Half of your plate should be made up of veggies.
While the exact recommended daily intake varies from person to person, filling half of your plate with vegetables is a good general rule.

Vegetables that are easy to prepare will help you eat them more often.
Things like microwavable frozen veggies or bags of pre-made salad greens are good examples.

Tips to Help You Eat Vegetables [USDA]

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No matter what you’re expecting when you go to Khon’s, you will likely be surprised at what you find. The tiny, inviting space, its walls covered in art, has the ambience of a coffee shop, and the espresso drinks are top notch – but Khon’s also boasts a full bar stocked with craft brews and fine wines.

As the name promises, you can play darts, but this is not the sort of place one thinks of as a “dart bar." What Khon’s is is a family-friendly, community-driven gathering place. Whatever you like to drink when you go out, Khon’s has you covered. Whether you want to listen to music, have a meeting, play a game, or just relax with friends and family, you can do it at Khon’s!

Khon’s Wine Darts Coffee Art
2808 Milam Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-7775

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/cyclonebill

You want to be prepared for everything from a fancy dinner to an afternoon of snorkeling on your upcoming vacation, but so many different activities on your itinerary may make packing your suitcase seem very daunting. Here are four simple ways to pack your suitcase a bit lighter on your next big trip.

1. Become familiar with the laundry service. Sure, no one wants to do laundry on a vacation, but it’s much more enjoyable than breaking your back from lugging around an impossibly heavy suitcase or backpack. Look up your hotel or hostel’s laundry amenities beforehand, and if there are none, check for the closest laundromat.
2. Take full advantage of the carry-on. Many travelers are intimidated by the carry-on because of airlines’ strict weight limits, but this smaller bag is a very underutilized space for extra clothes. Just weigh your bag as you pack to avoid paying extra baggage fees.
3. Mix and match. By packing clothes in neutral shades that can easily coordinate with one another, you cut down on the need to pack separate outfits for each day.
4. Cut down on shoes. Shoes obviously take up the most space in your suitcase, so be sure to only pack ones that you really need. After all, do you really need stiletto heels on a backpacking trip?

Packing Smart and Traveling Light [Rick Steves]
The Carry-On Challenge: How to Pack Light Every Time [Independent Traveler]
How to Pack Light: 9 Tips to Lighten Your Load [Huffington Post]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/epSos .de