Tag Archives: Vegetable

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5 Unique Fruits and Veggies to Intrigue You

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With the USDA’s new MyPlate, there has been a surge of attention given to the importance of a balanced diet. As demonstrated on the plate, a balanced diet consists of a large amount of fruits and vegetables. The problem is, we get it in our heads that we don’t like certain foods. We remember brussel sprouts from our childhood, and can’t get past that memory of forcing them down so that Mom and Dad would let us have dessert. The truth is that there are a lot more options than just brussel sprouts and beets. We’ve decided to put together a list of the Top 5 Fruits and Vegetables you’ve probably never tried, and the health benefits of each one.

  1. Paw Paw (fruit) This fruit is easily digestible and aids in the digestion of other foods. It is rich in vitamin A and C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, and soluble vegetable fiber. It is enjoyed best when eaten fresh and ripe.
  2. Persimmons (fruit) This delicate oriental fruit is native to china.  It spread to Japan very long ago and later was introduced to California during the middle of the nineteenth century.  They are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that are vital for good health.
  3. Dragon Fruit (fruit) This exotic fruit contains large amounts of Vitamin C. Not only that, the vitamin C in dragon fruit is more easily digested than a vitamin c supplement. It is also said, but not proven, that Dragon Fruit aids in controlling blood sugar levels in those with Type 2 Diabetes (Note: This is not a sufficient medical plan for controlling diabetes)
  4. Purple Dragon Carrot (vegetable) This unique carrot has a sweet flavor, making it great for salads and for juicing. Carrots help reduce cholesterol, fight infections and stabilize blood sugar. High in nutritional value, but low in calories, carrots play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
  5. Sweet Baby Broccoli (vegetable) Broccoli provides a high amount of vitamin C, which aids with iron absorption in the body, and fiber, which enhances the gastrointestinal tract. They can help prevent the development of cataracts, and also ease the symptoms of the common cold. The folic acid in broccoli helps women sustain normal tissue growth and is often used as a supplement when taking birth control pills and during pregnancy. The potassium in broccoli aids those battling high blood pressure, while a large amount of calcium helps combat osteoporosis.

Are you ready to go out and try all these great new fruits and vegetables? Each of them has a unique flavor, as well as all the health benefits mentioned. So, give  ‘em all a try. And, be sure to let us know what you think on our Facebook page.

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Let’s ‘Brown Bag It’

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How many of you remember carrying your lunch to school as a kid? Did you carry it in a little brown paper bag? So many of us used to. But, with the convenience of fast food restaurants, snack machines and even cafeteria’s in our workplaces, many of us have forgotten about the art of packing our own lunch. We think it’s time to bring it back! Well… maybe not the actual brown paper bag. But, packing your own lunch (in a reusable lunch container, of course) can benefit your waistline, as well as the environment. Below are our top 3 tips to make it easier for you to get back in the habit, especially since Mom isn’t here to pack it for us anymore!

  1. 1.       Pack it the night before.  Let’s face it. It is hard enough to get everybody up, ready and out of the house in the mornings. The last thing you want to do is add another step, like making your lunch, to that crazy mix. If you pack your lunch the night before, (right after dinner, or when the kids go to bed) you’re more likely to stick with the plan and get to work with your homemade lunch.
  2. 2.       Keep it simple. Just because you are taking your own lunch doesn’t mean that it has to be a gourmet specialty that will make everyone else in the office jealous. Things that can be put together very easily, and that are fairly mobile will be a great choice.
  3. 3.       Include one food from each food group.  We all hate those late afternoon hunger pains from an unsatisfying lunch. Avoid those by including foods from each food group. Proteins will keep you fuller, longer, while the others will help keep you fully satisfied.

So, exactly what kind of lunch are we talking about? Included below is an example of an ideal lunch that is simple, filling and downright tasty!

  • Turkey sandwich:  Include light miracle whip, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion and any other vegetables you enjoy.  If you like avocados, they will also add a great taste to this sandwich.
  • Cottage cheese and fruit: Any fruit is great with cottage cheese. But, berries in particular provide a great flavor combination and are full of antioxidants.
  • Lunch is also a great time to get some of your recommended daily water. So, ditch that diet soda and enjoy an ice cold glass of water instead.

As good as this meal is, you will get tired of it if you eat it every day. So, if you are struggling to come up with your own bag lunch ideas, be sure to check out “Bag Lunches and Snacks” available at www.NCEScatalog.com.