YES! YOU DO NEED TO EAT YOUR
VEGETABLES! 
 

Only 26% of us in our state consume vegetables at least three or more times per day. Are you getting your daily intake? Check out some of the reason why we don't eat our 'veggies':

      *My family never ate them so I don't.

      *I don't know how to make them.

      *I don't like the way they taste.

      *I eat vegetables, I eat corn.

For many people vegetables were not part of our meals growing up.  Often they were overcooked and tasted unpleasant when served.  I remind many of my clients to remember that as we grow our tastes and palates hopefully mature as we do.  Foods we couldn't or wouldn't eat as a child are surprisingly delicious now in adulthood.

Why do you want to eat vegetables anyway, what's the big deal?

     *Diets rich in vegetables help lower blood pressure.

     *Reduce the risk of heart disease.

     *Reduce the risk of stroke.

     *Lower risk of eye and digestive problems.

     *Lower cancer risks.

     *Positive affect in blood sugar management.

     *Low in calories, helps promote a feeling of fullness that 

       helps promote weight loss.

How can you learn to eat more vegetables and enjoy it?

     *Investigate a new vegetable recipe on line and give it a

       try.  I recommend Allrecipe.com for healthy recipe options.

     *Take a plunge the next time you are getting groceries and

       pick up something new.  Do this at least once a week.  

       Vegetables are fairly inexpensive so if you don't like what

       you picked that week it was not a great loss.  You may

       be suprised and find that you actually do like it!

      *We all have our fallbacks, celery and carrots, tomatoes. 

        Keep them in the front of your refrigerator and with in easy

        reach. 

      *  No time to chop, buy the pre-cut and

          packaged ones to save time.

      *Add a vegetable to each meal, even breakfast. Try

        adding cleaned baby spinach to an omelette.

        Take a small container of chopped red peppers, celery,

        and carrots with you to work.  A great munchie when the 

        mood hits for a snack during the day.

       *Make a large salad the centerpiece. of your meal. 

       
          Try a Michigan Salad tonight.

             Mixed salad green

             Sliced red onion

             Chopped walnuts

             Michigan Dried Cherries

             A few crumbles of goat cheese or low-fat Feta

             Dress lightly with a good Vinegrette 

Remember taking the time to try new vegetables today will improve your eating experience and provide health benefits that no 'supplement or pill can equal.'

         For more information go to Nutritious Dish...

Have you ever passed by this at the store and thought what the ????

This truly unique plant is a Brussels Sprout Stalk, and if you see this grab it! 

These are an old plant originating form northern Europe and brought to us by French settlers who came to Louisiana.  Brussels sprouts are members of the cabbage family and are considered cruciferous vegetables.  They contain wonderful antioxidants, vitamin C and A as well as indoles which may play a role in reducing the the risk of certain cancers.

 The sprouts or edible portions are the little round balls on the stalk.  All you need to do to is break them off and rinse prior to cooking.   The remaining stalk can be placed in you refrigerator and will stay good  for a week or two so you can grab them and use just the amount you want for a meal.

 When preparing these to prevent the nasty taste many of us associate with sprouts, cook them till they are bright green and just tender. When they have turned dark green they have gone too far.  In fact my son loves to grab them raw to snack on while I am making dinner.

My favorite way to prepare them is to steam them  with a little water for 4-6 minutes in a saucepan with a lid, till just tender .  Then drain and season with a little olive oil, black pepper and a touch of fresh nutmeg.

So give these  bright little gems a try at your next meal and you will learn that these are not your mom's Brussels Sprouts !

For other healthy and delicious recipes check out the Link at The Nutrition Source.