A journal of my ongoing quest to keep

"Polyester pants" at bay!

Okay, I don’t know about you, but vegetables are something I've personally resisted!  They were the last thing, I integrated into my lifestyle.  Mostly, because I really didn't enjoy eating them and they were way too much trouble to fix.  If only chocolate kisses were a vegetable, I’ve been known to whine!

In fact I would actually buy vegetables, convincing myself I would eat them, only to leave them rotting in my refrigerator. How lame is that?  I always felt guilty about it because I knew eating them would help me get all the benefits listed in this month’s tip.

So, I am thrilled to say things have changed.  My family and I actually, eat them daily in large amounts!  I even lost 8 stubborn pounds last month that have been hanging on for a couple of years.  Impossible you say?

Read on to learn how the transformation occurred!

Eating vegetables regularly has many health benefits

They contain different vitamins, minerals and thousands of other plant chemicals known to provide disease-reducing benefits.

 “Poor eating habits are responsible for 1/3 of all cancer which is roughly the same proportion attributed to smoking” 

  American Institute for Cancer Research

Eating vegetables - low in fat and calories, high in fiber - helps control weight and provides us with extra energy.  Being low in calories enables us to eat lots of vegetables without consuming excess.  The high fiber content helps fill the stomach faster limiting the total amount of food consumed.  The presence of many vitamins and other chemicals in vegetables supply the body with nutrients to boost energy production within muscle cells.  This gives us the energy to become more active helping us to burn more calories each day.

Vegetables are low in sodium which helps to reduce water gain.  Sodium, present in virtually all processed foods, causes the body to hold water.  It has been estimated that many people may hold up to 5 pounds of additional water due to high sodium intake.  If we eat more vegetables our sodium intake naturally lowers.

Veggie Tips!

Make Them Ask For More!

• Ever notice fancy restaurants never have big chunks of veggies in salads?  Why?  Because, thinly sliced veggies taste far better!  Once a week dig out your "Cuisinart" food processor.  Slice a mix of your favorite veggies (I like red peppers, cucumbers, carrots & zucchini).  Throw them in a Tupperware container to last the week.  Toss handfuls on salads, in scrambled eggs, or alone with a little rice vinegar and feta cheese.

• Sauté a handful of veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Add to brown rice or cooked quinoa.  I make it with organic chicken broth in my rice cooker.

• Roast your vegetables!  Click Here for easy directions!

• Difficult to get all you need? You're not alone. Recent surveys show nine out of every ten Americans still don't get enough.  Which supplements ensure you are getting all you need ?   Check it out

My Favorite Veggie Packed Lunch!

Fuzzy Slipper Salad

• Handful organic mixed greens

• Handful organic veggies

• Sprinkling of Feta cheese

• Raw sunflower seeds or cashews

• Sprinkling of “Earthbrown” Organic Dried Cranberries”

• Toss with Chelten’s Organic Raspberry Vinagrette

Chocolate Peanut Butter protein smoothie

Kashi Crackers with ”Maranatha No Stir Peanut Butter”

All of these ingredients are at Cub Foods in the health food section.

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