Is that vegetable serving just a bland side-order that provides some color around the main dish or is it a powerhouse in disguise?
Could it be the most important food on your plate? Should we be eating a lot more fresh raw vegetables and could they actually have healing power? Have we been missing something? Could we avoid some of those big doctor bills, uncomfortable and expensive lab tests, and missed work days simply by taking a closer look at what grows in our garden or what is for sale at the local farmer’s market. Could it be that easy?
The television guide is full of raw fruit and vegetable juicing programs. Healthy and vibrant television personalities show us how to juice, what to juice and even the nutrition content of some of the whole foods. Can we avoid some of the pills in our medicine cabinet and all the bad side effects that go with them just by looking into the nutritious world of whole, unprocessed, unrefined grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables – and by changing our eating habits, can we feel better and healthier than we’ve felt in years?
Is a healthier body and mind very expensive?
Are we doomed by what is in our family history of illnesses, or is it as easy as a daily walk to the garden or local farmer’s market to choose a selection of daily raw fruits and vegetables and at a very affordable price? Whole organic foods that we can serve our families with no bad side effects are out there. We only have to look.
Is winter squash just a squash?
The butternut squash is loaded with potassium (feeling tired lately), 490 mg in 1/2 cup. Potassium will boost the heart and regulate blood pressure. Squash can be baked, simmered, steamed, fried, and juiced. If it is from an organic grower it does not have to be peeled. It is safe to eat the whole squash.
Is parsley just a garnish?
Parsley is high in potassium, 166 mg in 10 sprigs and it’s easy to grow in the garden. Snack on some fresh parsley while gardening. It’s better than potato chips, and it supplies more folate than an orange, calcium (41 mg) and vitamin C (40 mg – nearly a day’s amount). It encourages the body to get rid of water with it’s diuretic activity.
Grow some watermelons in your garden!
Watermelon has a lot of potassium (186 mg in one cup). Make a melon-ball salad topped with fresh mint.
How about those beans?
Cooked black beans have 306 mg of potassium in 1/2 cup. They provide an almost complete nutrition. By including plenty of beans in your diet you’ll be eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet which helps in weight loss. .
Check out the amazing and mysterious world of whole foods – fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains. Feel younger, look better, save money and be happy!
Changing over to a healthier lifestyle can mean a healthier you!
Sources:
Nature’s Pharmacy 2001 In consultation with the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
