Have you eaten your veggies?!

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We hear all the time that vegetables are "essential for our health" and going “veggie-heavy” is the best choice...

But why?!

What are the benefits of vegetables? And if they are so great for us, how can we make eating them fun? What are the best ways to change it up and not get bored or stuck in a routine?

Below I’ll talk about the benefits of veggies, my tips for getting the most out of them, and how to keep your cooking fresh & fun!

Why Should We Veg Out?

1. Vegetables tend to be low in fat and calories: If you need to avoid these in your diet, veggies are great to consume!

2. Veggies are a great source of essential nutrients: Consuming veggies will add dietary fiber, potassium, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C (just to name a few) to your diet. Consuming these nutrients through vegetables rather than through supplements is the safest and most natural way to do so.

3. The dietary fiber or “roughage” helps with digestion: This helps to keep us regular. (I know TMI, but it’s true!) Veggies (especially the dark green ones) help to keep things moving while maintaining a sense of fullness with fewer the calories!

4. Veggies reduce your health risk for chronic diseases: If you know you have a family history of heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), or obesity, going veggie-heavy will help to lose weight, maintain weight loss, keep your arteries clear, and keep your blood sugar & blood pressure levels more stable.

How can we do more with our veggies?

1. Cook them differently!

Cut your veggies thin and bake them into chips: Cook at 225 degrees for 2 hours!
Put your veggies on a kabob and bake or grill them: Pairing different vegetables together can change the taste and add a different flair to your routine!
Roast them by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20 minutes: This will give them a nice smokey taste. A little crispy on the outside, but softer on the inside.

2. Change the shape!

My spiralizer is my favorite cooking tool and such an easy way to make zoodles!
Try cutting your vegetables into longer strips or smaller circles. Sometimes changing their presentation can be enough to make them more appealing.

3. Adjust the seasoning!

If you have a family history of hypertension (high blood pressure) or cardiac disease, it is best to have a low-salt diet. Instead of seasoning your veggies with salt and pepper, try olive oil and lemon!
Fresh herbs make for great seasoning as well! Basil, rosemary, or thyme can make your vegetables taste even more fresh.
Adding a little spice rather than salt and pepper can also change things up for you... Next time try garlic powder or paprika!

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Hi y'all, I'm Abbie!

Abbie Stasior MS, RD, CIEC is a Non-Diet Registered Dietitian, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and a Master's graduate from Columbia University! 5 years ago, she founded Be About Being Better, a non-diet coaching company specializing in helping individuals develop a sustainable and diet-free healthy lifestyle through an Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size (HAES) approach. With a passion for research, she is a published researcher and has been featured in notable media outlets such as the Medium, Thrive Global, and Brainz Magazine. She has also been a sought-after guest on various podcasts, sharing her expertise and insights. With Abbie's guidance and expertise, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery, nourishment, and empowerment, freeing yourself from diet culture and embracing a more joyful and vibrant life!

Have you eaten your veggies?!

How can we do more with our veggies?

Hi y'all, I'm Abbie!

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