Fifty Shades of Kale
The Importance of Eating Green Vegetables
However, while green veggies are full of fiber and vitamins, what makes green vegetables (and really all fruits and vegetables) so healthy is their abundance of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are chemicals found in plants that help protect plants from disease, insects, injuries, etc.; they’re basically a plant’s immune system. And they work for our immune system too. Phytochemicals have been shown to be effective in treating cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. They also help prevent cell damage and can decrease cholesterol levels. Phytochemicals are incredibly powerful and by eating healthy, natural foods, we can be assured of getting adequate amounts of these nutritional goldmines.
Eating Enough Green Vegetables
And for those times when you don’t have a Diet-to-Go meal, just be sure to sneak in some vegetables with every meal (yes, even breakfast). Most vegetables can be cooked, steamed, stir-fried, sautéed and eaten raw.
Storing Green Vegetables
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Wash your the vegetables in cold water
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Pat them dry
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Leave them out to dry completely
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Once they are totally dry, bundle the greens loosely between two paper towels and store in a large plastic (sealable) bag.
The Take Away
The Importance of Eating Green Vegetables
Green vegetables come across as quite unassuming, but they are packed with healthy nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, E and K (which are found in salad greens, kale and spinach). Many of the B complex vitamins are also found in broccoli, bok choy and mustard greens as well as fiber and calcium. There are so many great varieties of green vegetables and so many vitamins and minerals to be had!
However, while green veggies are full of fiber and vitamins, what makes green vegetables (and really all fruits and vegetables) so healthy is their abundance of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are chemicals found in plants that help protect plants from disease, insects, injuries, etc.; they’re basically a plant’s immune system. And they work for our immune system too. Phytochemicals have been shown to be effective in treating cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. They also help prevent cell damage and can decrease cholesterol levels. Phytochemicals are incredibly powerful and by eating healthy, natural foods (like Diet-to-Go), we can be assured of getting adequate amounts of these nutritional goldmines.
Eating Enough Green Vegetables
How much is enough? The daily recommendations vary depending on age, gender and activity level but basically, according to the USDA, adults need between 2 and 3 cups of vegetables daily. While that not may seem like a lot, many of us are not meeting the daily requirement. Fortunately many of Diet-to-Go’s meal’s are full of green (and various other) vegetables.
And for those times when you don’t have a Diet-to-Go meal, just be sure to sneak in some vegetables with every meal (yes, even breakfast). Most vegetables can be cooked, steamed, stir-fried, sautéed and eaten raw.
Storing Green Vegetables
Green vegetables tend to go bad quickly. So you need to eat them within a couple days of purchasing. To get a few extra days of edibility:
- Wash your the vegetables in cold water
- Pat them dry
- Leave them out to dry completely
- Once they are totally dry, bundle the greens loosely between two paper towels and store in a large plastic (sealable) bag.
The key is to keep the air out and the water away.
The Take Away
Green vegetables may be the closest thing to a magic food. Green vegetables, and really almost all vegetables, can help you lose weight, reduce your risk of cancer, make you look better and feel better. Ensuring you get enough of these nutritional gems is paramount. Choosing Diet-to-Go is one way to do that; making smart food choices is another. Be conscious of what you put in your mouth and always strive for naturally-occurring foods over the processed alternatives.
Go Green (everybody’s doing it)
The idea of being green is everywhere these days from the supermarket aisles (cleaning supplies, packaging, and food) to green buildings and especially to the concept of green living. The color green has come to symbolize wealth, growth, environmental rejuvenation and overall good health. Diet-to-Go suggests that you bring the green idea home to your dinner plate by eating all the green veggies that you can. Here’s the dish:
Do it for health
Green vegetables are chock full of health benefits. Studies show that leafy green vegetables may keep the brain sharp as we age and can lower the risk of diabetes. Dark green vegetables are great cancer fighters and have been linked to a longer life. Further, according to the USDA, a diet rich in vegetables provides the best source of a whole host of vitamins and minerals and may reduce the risk for stroke and other types of heart disease. Seems like a no-brainer: pile on the greens!
Do it for weight control
Green (and almost every other color) vegetables are low in sodium and fat so you can feel free to eat generous portions. They are a great source of nutrition and don’t add many calories to your diet. Choose fiber rich veggies to reduce your hunger level and feel full longer, thus aiding you in your weight loss goals.
Do it for the planet
Eating locally grown vegetables offers so much: fresh food that isn’t full of preservatives, an opportunity to support local farms and gardens thus helping the economy, reducing your food’s global footprint by using less transportation. Shop at local farmer’s markets or you can even do more by planting your own garden in your backyard, in a window-box or even through a neighborhood community-run garden.
