In Part 1, I discussed red, purple and blue foods and then shared a recipe for two-ingredient blueberry preserves that you can make yourself. Part 2 was Yellow and Orange foods and the featured recipe with video can be found here:Apple, Avocado & Walnut Salad.
So this time we’re covering the most obvious color when it comes to nutritious foods –
Green!
So most people know that green colored foods are good for them. I feel like our moms, coaches and health teachers have beaten that into our heads!
Some people even say “the darker the better”. At least that’s the comment I usually hear in my seminars.
And here’s a funny story from a participant in my seminar last week. She said a stranger came up to her in the grocery store where she had iceberg lettuce in her cart. The person told her (insert attitude in tone of voice!) “that lettuce is nothing more than water, you should buy something else”.
First off…. I have a problem with strangers inserting their opinion whenever they feel like it. If someone has not asked for my opinion, I err on the side of keeping it to myself!! I think I would’ve had a few choice words for her… mostly sum it up to “mind your own business”.
BUT, I also know that many people have been told this. I do want to say that iceberg lettuce has plenty of fiber, folate and other nutrients. So mix up the type of lettuce you get! AND we know that dark leafy greens have been shown to have extra cancer fighting nutrients in it.
Remember: ANY VEGETABLE IS BETTER THAN NO VEGETABLE!!!
Nutrition Facts About Green Foods:
Green foods have lots of nutrients that promote health in your body including:
- vitamin A
- carotenoids
- calcium: Remember that calcium comes from veggies too (like leafy green ones and broccoli). Not just dairy foods!!
- vitamin C
Green Foods:
Here are some green foods to get you thinking outside of the box:
- leafy greens (think kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, and collard greens)
- cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and brussels sprouts and cabbage – are on the AICR’s list of Foods that Fight Cancer.
- kiwis,
- green bell peppers
- basil
- parsley
- thyme
- cilantro
- apples
- pears
- grapes
- asparagus
- zucchini
- green beans
- onions
Ok – so now you know and knowing is half the battle (GI Joe, anyone??). Grow, buy and eat your GREENS!
– Julie
