While we debate endlessly about Paleo vs. vegan, Weight Watchers vs. Jenny Craig, etc., we are missing what I believe to the MOST important factor in any diet: GREEN VEGETABLES. Everyone want to talk about carbs and sugar and protein but veggies are so un-sexy. In my opinion that is ALL we should be talking about. How many we eat, how often we eat them, how we prepare them.
Why are they so important?
Vegetables are a great source of fiber and carry major nutrients such as Vitamins A, B, C, D and K as well necessary minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium zine, iron and iodine. But, they are also the bearers of phytonutrients – natural chemicals that help to protect that particular plant against bacteria, viruses, bugs etc. and they’ve been shown to help protect us against chronic diseases. The nutrients found in dark leafy green vegetables are associated with cancer prevention and heart health.
No matter which diet you adapt (and the science world cannot agree on this), unless you have some kind of medical condition the precludes eating veggies, start eating them at every meal.
- Try to get your a cruciferous green in at least 2 times per day (ex. broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, cabbage, mustard greens and brussels sprouts)
- Rotate in other non-cruciferous veggies like asparagus, mushrooms and peppers
Do you hate veggies?
You have two choices: either decide to learn to like them (if I managed to learn to like black coffee I think you can get used to veggies) or find a way to sneak them in. There are loads of resources online and look out for my upcoming blog on veggies dishes for veggie haters.
JennyKalina.com 