Momma Said "Eat Your Veggies"
Written by Gennifer Strobo, IFBB Pro Thursday, 19 January 2012 14:40
MOMMA SAID “EAT YOUR VEGGIES”
We are always hearing that vegetables are healthy for us and we should include them in our daily diet. But do you really know why?Vegetables are practically MADE for our bodies. They are matched up for our health like no other food group. I guess you can say our bodies and vegetables go together like “peas n carrots”.
Vegetables provide water, fiber, and essential nutrients for many different functions in the body. Most importantly, veggies are a major source of antioxidants which are the cell protecting, anti-aging cold-fighting enzymes that are lacking in many of our diets.
Vitamins/Minerals: Vegetables pack a lot of goodness in a small package. For about 50 calories you can get over a half cup of vegetables that contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and immunity building substances, called phytonutrients.
Complex Carbs: Vegetables give us energy. They are slow digesting and don’t cause those pesky blood sugar highs and lows. There are a few exceptions to this like corn and beets.
Fiber: This amazing food group is packed full of belly filling fiber. You will feel fuller longer, reduce your cholesterol and ward off heart disease.
Antioxidants: Now this is a buzz word we hear used often. But what do Antioxidants do for us? They help to fight off cell damage inside and out. Aiding in skin damage prevention and warding off cell damaging cancers.
Now you know why you’re eating them, but you’re wondering how can I get more in my diet. Here’s a few tips on including more of “nature’s perfect foods”:
Frittata: Chop vegetables like red peppers, asparagus, add spinach or mushrooms and this healthy breakfast will be more colorful AND flavorful
Spaghetti Sauce: grate or puree green peppers, onions, zucchini, carrots or mushrooms (This is an easy way to disguise vegetables from the family)
Meatloaf: Finely dice your favorite vegetable and mix. Use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef and oats instead of starchy bread crumbs and this traditional comfort food just became a healthy, physique friendly meal.
Calzone or pizza: Fill these with mostly vegetables and use the meats as an afterthought. Using low fat cheeses and whole wheat crust has now turned this normally fattening food into a nutrient dense football favorite.
There are many other ways to fit veggies into your diet instead of the traditional side dish. Try fitting them in to tacos, sloppy Joes, mac n cheese, casseroles and soups. Try some of these options or have fun creating your own recipes. You’ll not only get out of your dinner rut, but you’ll be healthier too.
Until next time, try and be “Better than Yesterday”!
Gennifer Strobo
IFBB Pro Figure Athlete
FMG Athlete
Eric Favre Sport Sponsored Athlete
Team Bombshell Instructor / bombshellfitness.com
Glamour Athlete Photography Booking Agent
Fit Girl Magazine
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