mmm...Vegetables!

I know when I eat healthy I always feel better. Overall, my body feels cleaner, my mood increases, and I exercise (run) better. When I eat well, I avoid feeling weak or suffering from a sugar crash (it's not pretty folks). This doesn't come as a surprise to anyone, especially since there is so much research on the benefits of eating well. What does come as a surprise is how often I think cookies, ice cream, soda, etc are a good idea. It's funny - I know its not nutritional for me in any way, nor will I feel good after eating junk, but I still indulge in life's "little pleasures". Nothing wrong with that, or anything, as long as its in moderation. Although, I would love to be able to stick to healthy foods more often.
I always try to eat lots of veggies. I love veggies because they fill you up without many calories. Double Whammy! The problem is that they aren't as accessible as, say, a cookie. They go bad quickly, take preparation, and aren't normally found in gas stations or drive thru's when I need something quick or on-the-go. Something that I have found (and wanted to share) to make my veggies last longer in the refrigerator are green bags. I have Debbie Meyer GreenBags, but I think any would do. Here's a suggestion on how to use the green bags to get more vegetables in your diet:
Clean and chop up some veggies at the beginning of the week. Be sure to have a variety of color which provides more nutrition and vitamins. I like carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, radishes, and bell peppers. Throw them in a green bag, fold over the top, and place in the refrig where you can see them! They will stay good for at least a week! You can use them as a side with sandwiches, as the main dish, or steam them for a stir fry - but remember, they are most nutritious eaten raw.
Another tip is that I always volunteer to bring veggie trays to events/potlucks. This way I know there will be something of nutritional value to help keep me away from overindulging but, more importantly, this gives me left over veggies that are already to washed, cut and ready to throw in a green bag for the next week.
This week I have had variety of veggies with dip and LF cottage cheese for lunch everyday. It feels great! If you don't like veggies - be a big boy/girl and try them for a few days. Studies show that you have to eat a food like vegetables at least 8 times before you can develop a liking for them. Ponder this for a moment - Think of the vegetables that you don't like. Did you eat them often as a kid? Have they recently been in your overall diet? If no, then give them a chance. Poor veggies. (side note: I tried radishes for the first time this fall and now they are incorporated in my veggie mix. Lots of nutrients!)
I don't write this post to preach. If you know me well, you know that cookies, brownies, and ice cream are my favorites, not veggies. This is as much to convince me as anyone else! We all need to keep in mind how important your personal health is to yourself and those that care about you, in addition to enjoying physical activity such as running. Take care of your body.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!
Happy New Year
~AW