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Q.What’s the one thing that every successful diet in the world has in common? They all contain vegetables, and for good reason too…
Why is eating vegetables so important?
Vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, digestive enzymes and microbes, fibre and other nutrients. Any and all of these reduce acidity in the body and chronic inflammation, aiding vital nutrient absorption, stabilising blood sugar levels, keeping bowel movement regular and removing toxic waste, decreasing bad/increasing good cholesterol, decreasing blood pressure, feeding your healthy gut bacteria/microbiome and so on. Vegetables are also important because 80% of Australians are suffering from dehydration on a daily basis. And a big reason why this is the case is because we are eating more processed foods and less veggies than ever before, which also equates to less water in the diet. Veggies help to keep you hydrated and functioning at your best.
Veggies are also the key to losing excess weight, which is something most of us need. Veggies are low in energy and some even contain negative calories. You could eat 40 zucchinis a day and still lose weight. If you’re not eating enough veggies, you’re not supporting your weight loss goals.
We are eating less vegetables than ever before:
Despite the importance of eating veggies, 93% of Australians are not reaching the recommended daily intake of vegetables. That’s virtually the whole of Australia!
The main reason for this is because most of us live very busy lives, and as such we often reach for foods which are quick to prepare, including processed foods, pre-prepared meals and meat – especially chicken. Also, vegetables have become increasingly expensive. Whatever the reasons, it is a real concern, and we should all be trying harder to eat more veggies.
How many vegetables should you be eating?
Australian guidelines recommend that we eat 2 to 3 cups (5 to 6 serves) of vegetables per day. If you’re already eating veggies that’s great, but if not, then it may take some time to increase your veggie intake. Just start with one cup and increase from there. At the end of the day, you can’t eat ‘too many’ veggies, as long as you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet.
If you would like to find out the healthiest way to prepare veggies, how best to store them, the best ways to eat more veggies and more, then join my revolutionary online holistic health and fitness program at www.holistichealthfitness.com