Saturday, July 11, 2009

Eat Your Veggies

It is really amazing to learn that the average restaurant meal is approximately three times the size of the recommended portion. It kind of makes me laugh when my husband and I split a meal & the waitress gives us a look like we are cheap. The plates are just huge!!!

The recommended portion size for your dinner plate should be 1/2 veggies & salad, 1/4 lean protein, 1/4 whole grains.

Are veggies usually on your plate? If not it's a great idea to start now. Veggies are a great source for the vitamins and minerals we need. Most of us are not getting enough. Last time I checked McDonald's didn't have Green Beans on their menu. Make sure the days that you cook at home you make the most of it. Frozen veggies are a great way to to save on cost too.

Here are the big veggies at my house:

Brussels Sprouts: Full of Vitamin C, folate and iron. With Phytochemicals that have anti-cancer effects.
(We steam or boil these & add a little butter & Garlic Salt)

Asparagus: Stimulate immunity. Full of vitamin E & folate.
(Great grilled with Olive Oil - Salt & Pepper)

Spinach: High in potassium and folate. May reduce cancer risk and relieve anemia. May also protect from heart disease.
(I love to heat a little olive oil in my wok with garlic & toss in the spinach. Cook until wilted.)

Red Bell Peppers: Excellent source of Vitamin C. May reduce the risk of Heart Disease.
(We use these as taco shells in our house. Cut tops off the pepper - boil in water for 10 minutes until tender - add cooked taco meat & top with cheese & salsa.)

Tomatoes: Lots of anti-oxidants. May reduce the risk of heart attack. Great source of Vitamin C & E.
(Slice these up into circles - place on cooking sheet - add fresh basil , sprinkle with garlic salt and top with mozzarella cheese - place in the broiler until cheese is melted.)

You just really have to change the way you look at food if you are focused on eating healthy & becoming healthy.

Try and shop on the outside aisles of your grocery store. All the processed box foods can be found in the middle.

Strong body....Strong mind!


Wishing you all the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day


We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are." -Adelle Davis


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