Wellness Wednesday

A couple of years ago I received a grant to publish a cookbook to distribute to the clients of our local food bank. In addition to healthy recipes, I made sure to include tips to boost nutrition. Below is some of the information I included - good advice for everyone:

Add More Vegetables to Your Day

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1. Discover Fast Ways to Cook

Cook fresh or frozen vegetables in the microwave for a quick-and-easy dish to add to any meal.  Steam green beans, carrots, or broccoli in a bowl with a small amount of water in the microwave for a quick side dish.

2. Be Ahead of the Game

Cut up a batch of bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli.  Pre-package them to use when time is limited.  You can enjoy them on a salad, with hummus, or in a veggie wrap.

3. Choose Vegetables Rich in Color

Brighten your plate with vegetables that are red, orange, or dark green.  They are full of vitamins and minerals.  Try acorn squash, cherry tomatoes, sweet potatoes, or collard greens.  They not only taste great but are also good for you, too.

4. Check the Freezer Aisle

Frozen vegetables are quick and easy to use and are just as nutritious as fresh veggies.  Try adding frozen corn, peas, green beans, spinach, or sugar snap peas to some of your favorite dishes or eat as a side dish.

5. Stock Up on Veggies

Canned vegetables are a great addition to any meal, so keep on hand canned tomatoes, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, mushrooms, and beets.  Select those labeled as “reduced sodium,” “low sodium,” or “no salt added.”

6. Make Your Garden Salad Glow with Color

Brighten your salad by using colorful vegetables such as black beans, sliced red bell peppers, shredded radishes, chopped red cabbage, or watercress.  Your salad will not only look good but taste good, too.

7. Sip on Some Vegetable Soup

Heat it and eat it.  Try tomato, butternut squash, or garden vegetable soup.  Look for reduced- or low-sodium soups.

8. While You’re Out

If dinner is away from home, no need to worry.  When ordering, ask for an extra side of vegetables or side salad instead of the typical fried side dish.

9. Savor the Flavor of Seasonal Vegetables

Buy vegetables that are in season for maximum flavor at a lower cost.  Check your local supermarket specials for the best-in-season buys.  Or visit your local farmer’s market.

10. Try Something New

You never know what you may like.  Choose a new vegetable – add it to your recipe or look up how to fix it online.