Your parents had a point. It's hard to argue with the health benefits of fruits and vegetables: lower blood pressure; lower risk of eye and digestive problems; lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers; and suppressed appetite.
But sometimes it's still hard to get all the recommended fruits and veggies into our diets. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Keep fruit on the counter or in front of the fridge. That way, when you go to the kitchen for a snack, it's the first thing you'll see. You'll be much more likely to eat it.
- Try using vegetables as an appetizer! Wait to put the main course on the table until you have had enough vegetables. This is a great method because you are sure to eat your veggies, AND there are always leftovers.
- Try new things! Variety is the key to a healthy diet. Look for in-season fruits and vegetables and buy something new.
- Make it a meal. Once a week, try a vegetarian recipe.
I read in an article once that nutrients can be depleted from your veggies and fruits depending on how you cook them. Due to time, I feel the easiest way to cook veggies is to boil them or stick them on a skillet. Am I losing a substantial amount of the nutrients in my veggies if I don't eat them raw? What are the best methods for cooking your veggies?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Katie, the best way to cook your vegetables is for a short time, at a low temperature, and in little water. For example, steaming your vegetables will help them retain more nutrients than if you boil them. If steaming takes too long, you may consider:
ReplyDelete1)Purchasing frozen vegetables packaged in microwave steam packs, or purchasing microwave steam bags to add your own vegetables mixes in.
2) Adding a little water to a microwave safe bowl, put the vegetables in the bowl, and partially cover the bowl with a microwave safe bowl. This will help you create the "steam" effect in less time.
3) If you have an indoor grill, you might use it for vegetables. I personally enjoy grilled bell peppers and onions brushed with a little olive oil.
4) When "frying" your vegetables you might consider replacing the oil with low sodium broth.
5) And as always, you can eat your veggies raw!
Hope this was helpful! Best of luck.