Veggies!! For Thanksgiving? Let’s talk about them.
Veggies!!
Some people LOVE them way too much. And some people hate them. I know people who would never even touch, have never even tried them, and will never try them. And I’ll say it, they can legit be pretty terrible. Like beets. Ew no. But let’s talk about how they can actually be delicious.
Potatoes
With skin, they surprisingly have half your daily value of vitamin C and more potassium than a banana. Who knew?? They’re also a good source of fiber and magnesium. But what about mashed potatoes? Don’t worry! They’re still good for you, and have the same benefits, maybe just a lil’ less.
And if you’re worried about all the butter and salt, just remember to get organic butter, AND keep thinking about how grass-fed butter (it’s actually the cow, but whatevs) has Vitamin D and antioxidants, and can be an appetite suppressant. No seriously. The right butter can do all that.
Yams and Sweet Potatoes
They basically have many of the same qualities as regular potatoes- hoorah! With the addition of many more Vitamin B’s, A and fiber. You’re welcome.
Carrots
Eat them ANY way and I’m sure you’ll be happy. Plain and raw equals snack. Yum. Or throw on some ranch. Nom.
One way I love to eat them is boiled to perfection, pour out the water then add the salt and the butter. There’s that butter again. (Keep thinking it has tryptophan, when increases serotonin, which makes you happy in your brain.)
Carrots are so high in Vitamin C, K and also Potassium. Don’t forget the Vitamin E, and Beta Carotene which can turn into Vitamin A, and has a lot of antioxidants too.
Kale.
Kale is fabulous. But with butter. I know, I know. But seriously. It’s so healthy. Let me tell you how good. Wash the Kale, strip it off of the stalk, then give it a little bit of cutting, throw it in the pot with half a stick of butter ( I actually do a whole stick- not ashamed). Add a dash of salt, black pepper, a little turmeric. Let it simmer down. And that Kale will actually cook down – A LOT.
This particular dish is a staple in my home. But we don’t necessarily just eat it on it’s own, I also cook it with pasta. Sometimes that’s just the sauce, the kale simmered with the butter. But sometimes I’ll take that kale-butter-deliciousness and throw it in the red tomato sauce and WAH-BAM! It’s incredible. Throw in some grilled chicken parmesan and you have yourself a five star meal. With the healthiest thing on the planet. K A L E.
Next!
Green peas
While they may have a more calories than most veggies (sorry!), they are so good for you. They have Vitamin C, A, and lots of B vitamins too like Niacin.
They also have a lot of fiber.
I also love to put these into pasta. Yum Yum. Which, yes, I know, pasta has a lot of starch in it, but one thing that’s great, is you can find the right wheat pasta that’s actually super good for you, and hey, then it balances out right?
Swiss Chard
Has such a high level of antioxidants. Have you ever eaten it? I actually really like it cooked or in salads. It has a very savory taste, especially when you add some salt or butter. Oh the butter!
Garlic
It’s actually anti viral and antibacterial. So if you’re feeling sick, make something with a ton of garlic in it. But again, don’t over do it. Everything in moderation. I’ve heard of someone getting really sick because they ate too much! So again, take it easy and do what’s best for you.
Onions too!
Oh man onions are so good for you. The also are anti viral and anti bacterial. I adore them so much. Cook them into any meal and they make it better, more flavorful, and healthier. Actually if I’m about to get sick, I make this incredible French Onion-ish style Soup. It’s my mother-in-laws recipe. It’s mostly bone broth with a truck-ton of onions, but you can add in so many other veggies too.
Green Beans
Fiber Fiber Fiber!! All the fiber! It’s got vitamins A, C, K, and B. It also has minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and manganese. So don’t feel guilty eating that green bean casserole.