Go Green
St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with heavy, calorie-laden foods including meat, beer and bread. Lighten up this St. Patrick’s Day with some nutrient-rich green foods! Green fruits and vegetables, along with other colorful counterparts, can help reduce the risk of chronic disease, promote healthy blood pressure and help with weight maintenance and blood sugar control. Include some of these foods in your St. Patrick’s celebration:
Arugula
Arugula is a rich source of Vitamin A, C and K. With a peppery zing, arugula is a great salad lettuce but also works well in homemade pesto, in a wrap, added to soup or even as a fresh topping on homemade pizza.
Kiwi
Kiwi is a rich source of Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Kiwi is great alone, but also can be incorporated into savory dishes like salsa for a sweet and healthy twist.
Kale
Kale is a well-known front-runner in nutrient density. It’s full of amazing vitamins and minerals including Vitamin K, A, C, B6, manganese, potassium, fiber and iron. Kale is an antioxidant-rich food that is great sautéed, served raw, added to soup or even baked or dehydrated into chips.
Avocado
Avocado is a rich source of fiber, folate, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, potassium and Vitamin K. It is an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and with its rich and creamy consistency, it makes a wonderful addition to salads, dips, smoothies and even desserts.
Start your St. Patrick’s Day with these nutrient-rich foods. Keep an eye on your portions and limit your indulgences to a small serving or two.
Do you have a favorite recipe from The Fresh 20 that incorporates any of these amazing green foods?
