Farm fresh produce
Dr. Buttler was at the market today cooking healthy veggies and fish to show families the benefit of whole foods. And it’s that time of the year again for farmers markets, gardens, and eating fresh produce every day. It’s best to get 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but it’s even better to get your vegetables fresh and pesticide free. Fresh vegetables provide some of the best sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Dark leafy greens are rich sources of vitamins K, C, and E, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The brightly colored vegetables such as bell peppers and beets provide beta-carotene, vitamin C, and smaller amounts of B6 and minerals. It is best to have a variety of colors on your lunch and dinner plate so that you include all the different vitamins and minerals that are required for optimal function in our bodies. Not only is it beneficial to our everyday health, but eating sufficient amounts of a variety of fruits and vegetables has been proven to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Vegetables can be spiced, baked, sauteed, or eaten raw to give you a variety of flavors throughout the week. For people who are not a big fan of the taste of vegetables, the more finely you chop the veggies, the more their taste is disguised in the main dish. For example, if you are making pasta then finely chop and add sauteed basil, garlic and onion. The vegetables individual taste will fade away and you will be left with a unique and amazing flavor.
One of the most popular American vegetables is the potato, but they are an over-consumed simple carbohydrate that easily and quickly turns into sugar. Try to limit your intake of potatoes and substitute with complex and slowly digestible carbs like whole grains and beans. Nuts and Legumes are a great addition to a meal to add protein and minerals such as zinc.
So go to those farmers markets, the produce section in the grocery store, or grow your own food to give your body the energy and vitality that it deserves!