What day is it??? It’s National Eat Your Vegetables Day.
Today June 17th is a day for us to add a few extra vegetables in your day as part of your healthy diet.
We work so hard by exercising to improve and maintain a healthy mind, body, spirit, and soul, but for me eating right is a lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, I do splurge every now and then. But I do try to have a well-balanced diet, full of veggies, fruits and protein.
Vegetables contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Some have antioxidants properties and fiber. Your body needs all these components to function properly. It is recommended by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans to consume 3-5 servings daily of vegetables.
There are so many options out there: all in beautiful colors, shapes and sizes. This is a great day try something new: a vegetable you have never eaten before. We tend to stick to the safe veggies of potatoes, carrots, lettuce. How about we try: beets, kale, zucchini, spinach, turnips…the list can go on and on.
How do I cook them? I love to them roast in the oven or air fry my vegetables. Drizzled with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and S&P (salt and pepper). You can always add your seasoning of choice. Add kale or spinach to your morning smoothie! Blanch them by popping in boiling water for a short time. This keeps the beautiful colors or steaming to preserve the texture and flavor. My other favorites are frying okra, sweet potato fries, and jalapeño poppers.
Vegetables make a great snack. Add a mid-day snack of carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, celery and peppers. Have you tried eating a green bean or snap peas? They are easily packed, help fight hunger and a healthy option when you are on the go.
As the veggies are plentiful at the farmers markets, super markets, and even in your gardens– take advantage of this day! Celebrate National Eat Your Vegetables today with me.
Be sure to share in the comments what you tried.
