Vegetables

Many of the recipes in my blog include tons of vegetables which are important for anyone trying to lose weight. Not only do vegetables help add to the amount of food in which one consumes each day, but the vegetables help with digestion. They help keep one's stomach feeling full since cellulose found in plant cells takes quite a bit of time for the stomach to digest. Essentially, non-starchy vegetables burn almost as many calories through digestion as they offer for nutrition. Veggies also offer vital nutrients for our diet; such as antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, protein, vitamins & dietary minerals. They also help to prevent scurvy, certain types of cancer, and bacteria & viruses from attacking the body.

Mushrooms are technically fungi, but many retailers sell them as a vegetables since they offer many of the same nutritional benefits. Most mushrooms provide us with protein, fiber, vitamins B & C, as well as calcium and other vital minerals.

Corn, peas, beans, lentils, squash, pumpkin, potatoes, yams and sweet potatoes should be eaten in moderation. Cutting these vegetables from your diet completely only denies your body essential nutrients that they have to offer. Do not cut these items out of your diet completely, but remember to keep portion size in mind.

Personally, I'm not always in the mood to sit down and eat a salad with both my lunch and dinner. I've learned to incorporate as many fresh vegetables into my cooking as my favorite recipes will allow. Tossing in the vegetables adds nutritional value to my meal, keeps my calorie intake down, and adds flavor and creativity to my meals. The veggies bulk up the meal therefore keeping my stomach full and my taste buds happy. Also, the beautiful colors added from the vegetables help make dishes look more appetizing.

Easy ways to incorporate vegetables are to include them in tomato sauces, pizza toppings, soups, chili, salads, and a variety of other dishes. Vegetables also make great side dishes to our favorite entrees or even a snack in the afternoon or watching tv. Be creative, but remember to limit your intake of starchy vegetables as the body tends to store the broken down sugars as body fat. 

Q: What's a fresh vegetable?

A: One that talks dirty to the farmer.