Going Green

With the trends of the day leaning towards “green” this and “green” that, why not try adding a little more “green” to our diets? Did you know that the recommended dosage of leafy greens in our diet is a measly 3 cups per week? Most Americans have trouble even meeting this tiny portion. If we really knew the power of “going green” we may begin to view our veggies a little differently.

Here are just a few of the simple facts about green vegetables that are most often overlooked:

1. Greens are loaded full of nutrients including:
• Vitamins A, B, C, E & K
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Antioxidants
• Iron
• Calcium
• Folate

2. Greens, with their high levels of antioxidants, are some of the best cancer-preventing foods you can have.
3. Greens are an ideal weight loss food and help with weight management issues. They are usually low in calories and high in fiber and other essential nutrients.
4. Greens aid in keeping our blood vessels clean from plaque buildup, thus decreasing the risk of heart and other life threatening diseases.

For many people the problem comes with finding ways to enjoy their greens. Instead of going for a salad every time there are options that allow for you to get those nutrients your body craves in more enjoyable ways.

Try Something New!

Soup is just one of the easy ways to turn a bland green into a vibrant one. Broccoli, vegetable, and even kale soup can be appetizing on cold winter days. Steaming greens is another great way to get added warmth and texture when a salad doesn’t seem like quite enough.

Another popular way to enjoy your greens is by purchasing a juicer. Juice up some kale, collard greens, spinach, cucumbers, green peppers, and even green apples and mix them together. You may be surprised at how good they turn out.