Did you know on average, people consume about half their dietary guidelines for vegetables? Following MyPlate guidelines from the USDA, it says that half your plate every meal should be fruits and vegetables. There are many reasons for not being able to provide a meal full of lots of vegetables, but don’t let that keep you from choosing healthful foods. Instead, turn to a diet that is full of more vegetable and you will have more flavor, full of nutrition, lower calories and a satisfied body!
Benefits of consuming more vegetables:
Weight control is essentially defined by how many calories are going in and how many you are exerting. Vegetables provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories. They are nutrient-dense foods, meaning they have a lot of nutrients in them and not a lot of calories. Having more vegetables on your plate makes it easier to maintain body weight.
Dietary fiber is a complex form of carbohydrate; meaning it is easier to digest in your body and takes longer to do so, making you fuller sooner when you eat. There are many health benefits from high fiber diets; for example it may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and improve regularity. Fiber essentially helps you go to the bathroom, and by doing that you can help your body get rid of toxins.
Chronic diseases can be managed. Many people with heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many more diseases have been able to ease their symptoms when eating more vegetables.
Myths of consuming more vegetables:
It doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare meals with more vegetables. It can cook them the night before, the morning of, or eat them raw. It might take a while to get used to the preparing of vegetables, but you will not have to add more hours to the day to prepare meals with more vegetables.
You will be able to get the same amount of protein. 1 cup of spinach, cooked has 5 gram of protein! A common misconception about dietary fiber is that you need a lot of it daily, when you really do not, only about 40-70 grams daily.
Trying cooking it in many different ways to taste the different flavors vegetables have. Then, your kids will find the best way they like it!
By adopting more vegetables in your diet, it can add many health benefits to your children’s lives and your life!
