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Expert Q&A
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| By Christina Pirello Christina Pirello is the host of public television's Christina Cooks series, and the author of Cooking the Whole Foods Way (HP Trade, 1997), Christina Cooks (HP Trade, 2004) and Glow (HP Trade, 2001). | ||
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I plan on eating better this new year. What simple changes can I make in my diet to get on the road to a healthier lifestyle?
It's all about veggies – all about veggies. All kidding aside, if you do nothing else to change your diet in this new year, to create better health, it's all about vegetables. Add them to your diet – and not just a sprig of parsley and a salad when you feel fat – but every day, at least twice a day.
We've all heard the experts tell us to eat more vegetables. They're good for us, they say. But have you ever considered why they are so valuable to our health? Vegetables are the primary source of protein in nature (remember, cows eat grass); they provide us with calcium, iron and other minerals, like magnesium and potassium, vitamins from C to K and everything in between; they are high in fiber for colon health; they keep our bodies moisturized inside and out. And they are delicious boiled, blanched, saut?ed, fried, baked, grilled, steamed, dressed, naked, gloriously plain, raw, cooked or juiced. They are low in calories, jam-packed with flavor and nutrients and an amazing source of vitality and a youthful, healthy glow.
And easy? From a simple saut? to a fabulously easy and sweetly flavored oven roasted casserole to a stir-fry, vegetables are versatile, colorful, yummy and so easy to prepare that there are no excuses for leaving them off the menu.
So remember: It's all about veggies!
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- I plan on eating better this new year. What simple changes can I make in my diet to get on the road to a healthier lifestyle?
