- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- recipes today articles
- recipes today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Christina Pirello Christina Pirello is the host of public television's Christina Cooks series, and the author of Cooking the Whole Foods Way (HP Trade, 1997), Christina Cooks (HP Trade, 2004) and Glow (HP Trade, 2001). | ||
 |
I plan on eating better this new year. What simple changes can I make in my diet to get on the road to a healthier lifestyle?
It's all about veggies – all about veggies. All kidding aside, if you do nothing else to change your diet in this new year, to create better health, it's all about vegetables. Add them to your diet – and not just a sprig of parsley and a salad when you feel fat – but every day, at least twice a day.
We've all heard the experts tell us to eat more vegetables. They're good for us, they say. But have you ever considered why they are so valuable to our health? Vegetables are the primary source of protein in nature (remember, cows eat grass); they provide us with calcium, iron and other minerals, like magnesium and potassium, vitamins from C to K and everything in between; they are high in fiber for colon health; they keep our bodies moisturized inside and out. And they are delicious boiled, blanched, saut?ed, fried, baked, grilled, steamed, dressed, naked, gloriously plain, raw, cooked or juiced. They are low in calories, jam-packed with flavor and nutrients and an amazing source of vitality and a youthful, healthy glow.
And easy? From a simple saut? to a fabulously easy and sweetly flavored oven roasted casserole to a stir-fry, vegetables are versatile, colorful, yummy and so easy to prepare that there are no excuses for leaving them off the menu.
So remember: It's all about veggies!
Related Expert Q&A
- I want to incorporate cancer-fighting foods into my diet. Which foods are the best?
- Can seeing a chiropractor help reduce mental stress, or do people see them mainly for medical reasons?
- I exercise three days a week and don't eat fast food more than once a week, but my doctor says my cholesterol is high. How can this be?
- I got a flu shot through work, but I still ended up with the flu? Why? If the shot doesn't really protect me, than why get one at all?
- I've heard you should eat dried fruit if you're anemic because they're high in iron. Is that true?
More Answers by this Expert
- I've been told to increase my vitamin E intake. Should I take a supplement, or are certain foods better options?
- Could you please list some foods that do contain all eight amino acids, therefore making them complete sources of protein?
- Are nuts OK to eat? Are some better than others?
- Is green tea good for you?
- I plan on eating better this new year. What simple changes can I make in my diet to get on the road to a healthier lifestyle?