We all know that greens are good for our health, but most of us don’t eat them regularly enough to truly reap their benefits. And their benefits, by the way, are pretty incredible and include a more youthful appearance, lower cholesterol, stronger bones, loads of energy, and a decreased risk of certain types of cancer.
So, in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m going to share some tips on how to incorporate more greens into your diet.
They might not seem as exciting as finding that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (or even partaking in a pub crawl), but these tips are valuable as far as your health is concerned.
1. Make your own green juices at home or visit a juice bar.
You can order all sorts of delicious concoctions that include fresh produce, such as celery, cucumber, parsley, kale, spinach, lime, or Granny Smith apples. It’s a great way to infuse your body with lots of detoxifying vitamins and minerals.
2. Drink green smoothies.
When it comes to smoothies, the possibilities are endless. By adding a handful of spinach, you will add nutrients and not alter the taste a bit. If you include lots of kale or spinach, you’ll have a beautiful, vibrant, festive green colored beverage.
3. Eat greens for breakfast.
I’m not suggesting that you swap your favorite breakfast cereal for a salad. However, you can easily add some spinach to your morning omelet or breakfast sandwich.
4. Add them to your pasta dishes.
One of my favorite ways to sneak vegetables into my family’s diet is by serving some hot pasta over fresh baby spinach. The pasta steams the spinach and adds so much flavor. Another delicious option is to actually make “pasta” out of zucchini.
Zucchini Pasta
(Serves 4)
Ingredients
6 whole zucchinis
1 teaspoon of sea salt
3 tablespoons of butter
1 clove of minced garlic
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1/4 cup mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions: Cut the zucchini into thin ribbons using a potato peeler or mandolin. Bring one pot of water to a boil and add the sea salt. Add the zucchini and cook for one minute before draining and rinsing with cold water.
In a large skillet, melt the butter on medium heat and add the zucchini noodles and garlic. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if using, and garnish with cheese. Serve while still warm.
5. Snack on vegetables.
Kale chips, celery, and cucumber slices are delicious options, but if you find that snacking on vegetables is a bit boring, you can also dip them in some hummus or salsa.
6. Make a habit of including a vegetable at EVERY meal including breakfast and lunch and midday snacks.
The easiest way that I’ve found to do this at breakfast is to add baby spinach, which has a very mild flavor. At other meals, I always add a side salad to my entrees (even when I order food in a restaurant). Experiment with different types of greens as your base, such as baby spinach, arugula, and kale. Avocado kale salad is one of my personal favorites.
Enjoy your beer on this St. Patrick’s Day- just remember these tips and work a vegetable or two into your day as well!
