Winter Bites! Bite Back!
Posted on: February 18, 2015 by Michael Battell
Brrr! It has been a long, cold winter!
Most of us just want to cuddle up under a warm blanket and hibernate while watching that TV show that everyone’s been talking about while eating a big bowl of warm comfort food. You know it may not be so good for you but tastes delicious. It’s hard not to get into poor eating habits over the winter.
Winter bites, Bite back! Not all comfort foods have to be bad for you.
By incorporating some green leafy vegetables like kale or dandelion greens in a bowl of whole wheat pasta or spaghetti squash, or by using a sweet potato in your twice-baked potato recipe with cooked cauliflower and broccoli mixed in, you will be giving yourself some much needed vitamins and minerals.
Whole wheat pasta
- Your body can break down whole-wheat pasta better than white pasta
Spaghetti squash
- Contains omega-3 essential fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent heart disease, arthritic inflammation different types of cancer, and atherosclerosis
- Loaded with potassium and helps to reduce blood pressure.
Kale and dandelion greens
- Both contain vitamin K beneficial in preventing some conditions that come with aging
- Prevention of cardiovascular disease, bone fragility, and hardening of arteries.
- Both contain calcium, which is key to maintaining bone health and strength.
Sweet potatoes
- Beta-carotene and Vitamin A that help strengthen eyesight and boost our immunity to disease
- Protect against the effects of aging and ward off cancer with powerful antioxidants.
- Contains iron and magnesium that help reduce stress
- Contributes to the health of artery, blood, bone, heart, muscle, and nerve function.
Cauliflower
- Increases metabolism
- Helps with memory issues
- Anti-inflammatory and aids in the slowing of cancer tumor growth
Broccoli
- Aids in digestion
- High in fiber and prevents constipation
- Contains calcium and Vitamin K for the bones
- A powerful anti-inflammatory that helps reduce allergy reactions and can prevent and even reverse the effects of blood vessel damage caused by sugar-related inflammation.
So when you’re craving the comfy, ooey, gooey, foods as you cuddle in to hibernate for the day, mix in some greens. You won’t even notice them but your body will thank you!
Reference: care2.com