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What better way to honor St. Patrick’s Day than to talk about the power of green foods?
Parents may not look forward to the daily battle of the greens at the dinner table, but Registered Dietician Ema Thake said green foods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants not found in other foods.
“These antioxidants actually protect the cells in your body from free radicals which are naturally occurring elements that work to damage your cells over time," she said.
And there’s more. Green vegetables are packed with fiber and it helps to regulate blood sugar levels and leave those bellies feeling fuller, longer. The greens also contain higher water content, making them very low in calories.
Thake recommends five servings of fruits and vegetables a day with a serving size being about the size of your fist. Set a family goal to get in your daily five, and Thake says you'll find the benefits outweigh those potential protests: “You can lower your risk for obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, overall maintaining a healthy weight.”
Find creative ways to add color and variety into your child's diet. For those picky eaters, try blending blueberries with spinach and mix it into applesauce to create a fun color. Or try adding pureed carrots, sweet potatoes or apple sauce into baked goods to get that extra boost of fiber and nutrients.
“You’re going to feel that you have more energy throughout the day and overall your mood is going to improve as well,” Thake said.
