Sometimes challenges start at the kitchen table.
That’s essentially where this challenge started. As a natural health practitioner, I know how important a balanced diet is, and I know the symptoms of an imbalanced one.
So, I knew what was going on when I started noticing some not-so-great health changes in myself. I also knew why those changes were happening. I was opting for quick foods that were frequently packaged. I was falling into a pattern where I would just toss some poor-quality vegetable on the plate most of the time- to be completely honest, it wasn’t even every time we ate.
I was feeling bad physically, but I also felt like I wasn’t being true to myself in a professional context either.
I decided to approach the new year as an opportunity to change that. Big changes start with baby steps, so here’s what I’ve got planned, and I hope you’ll be interested in joining me in my efforts to introduce more vegetables and a better variety by practicing and finding ways to prepare these foods.
Resources
We’ll be keeping a rolling list for each month here, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables! Here’s a link to a great website that will show you what fruits and vegetables are seasonal in each month to help guide you in these selections.
Find a great recipe you love? Well, share it, friend! You can email links or recipes to us at LRochaNaturopath@gmail.com and they might make the list of the top 5 recipes for each month!
January Challenge: Beets
I know, we’re coming out swinging, but this is a keystone winter root vegetable. Here are the links for you to check out for this challenge:
How to Cook Beets So They’re Actually Delicious
My Favorite Beet Recipe: Red Root Relish
February Challenge: Parsnips
This cousin of the carrot was in it’s hayday in the New World until the potato showed up, but it’s a great option in so many recipes!
March Challenge: Collards
A staple on southern tables, collard greens are just as popular in Portugal and Brazil!
April Challenge: Nettle
Just trust me here- nettle is a quintessential plant food for spring, and it won’t hurt to eat! The prickly spines it’s known for soften when it’s cooked!
May Challenge: Leeks
Leeks are sadly neglected for the amount of nutrients they provide! Here are some great recipes to help get more vitamin A, C, B and copper into your body!
June Challenge: Nopales
Cactus Pads, or “nopales” in Spanish, are the flat green leaves of the prickly pear cactus cactus.
Nopales, the edible pads of the prickly pear cactus, are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. They help regulate blood sugar levels, support digestive health, and promote weight management due to their high fiber content and low calorie count. Additionally, the antioxidants in nopales can reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
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