Each week in this spot you will find a simple suggestion for a single habit that will change your life for the better.
The collection of habits includes ideas to enhance your diet, improve your activity level, make your relationships more dynamic as well as improve your overall level of wellbeing.
To find the previous articles and more great tips go to DrKestner.com and click on the 52 Healthy Habits tab.
Has anyone ever suggested that you should eat more vegetables?
My guess is that every reader can easily answer yes to that question.
Many readers are not opposed to eating more vegetables, but they have not found a convenient way to increase their vegetable consumption.
Before we get to this week’s tip, there are a couple of things worth mentioning about why vegetables are great for your health.
Ever heard of fiber?
Most vegetables contain dietary fiber that is far more beneficial than those made-up foods and drinks with “fiber added.”
Adding more fiber to improve your health isn’t really that helpful when it comes in a package of un-pronounceable ingredients.
Who knows what floor sweepings qualify as dietary fiber in some of those packages?
Why not reach for the real thing … a living plant product with actual fresh, juicy fiber inside.
This kind of fiber helps lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and many other diseases.
Vegetables can also help with weight loss, controlling blood sugar, improved immunity and provide other health benefits.
I realize that there is at least one reader thinking, “I eat plenty of vegetables, I get a large order of fries three times a day!”
Yes, potatoes are technically vegetables.
However, the real benefits of a vegetable-rich diet come from eating a wide variety of vegetables.
For readers that think they “don’t like vegetables,” please allow me to suggest that you rephrase your preference as “I am not crazy about vegetables, but for the sake of my health I will be open-minded.”
Even if you don’t like vegetables, it is possible to adapt to liking certain ones and gradually changing your food preferences.
So, here’s the suggestion: Knowing that your health can be significantly better next year if you eat more vegetables for 52 weeks, make vegetables a priority in your life.
Maybe even make a hobby of trying new vegetables.
When you eat at a restaurant choose your vegetables first, then add a meat entre to go with the vegetables if you want.
Be intentional about trying a new vegetable once a week.
Try new vegetable recipes.
Some vegetables taste better when prepared certain ways.
Ask friends about their favorite vegetable recipes.
Eat your vegetables first.
Take your time, especially if you have found a vegetable dish that you like.
Savor each bite.
By slowly eating your vegetables first, you are not as likely to want as much food.
This can lead to very easy weight loss.
Spend some extra time in the grocery produce section, exploring.
Learn more about vegetables.
You may be surprised by the interesting items that are worth trying.
Many vegetables are suitable for eating fresh (after thorough cleaning) without cooking.
Grocers now sell several varieties of fresh vegetables cleaned, sliced and ready-to-eat.
These can be good snack options.
Of all the dietary choices you could make, making vegetables a priority is probably the most beneficial.
For some delicious vegetable recipes, click on DrKestner.com.
Let me know if you have suggestions! |
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