I just wanted to motivate all of us to pick out our favorite veggies/fruits cut them up and place them on a nice dish. Why? They can be readily available, something that catches the eye for you or your whole family!
once you and/or your family have taken all that was wanted, package them in small baggies that you can snack on in the near future.
Choose veggies with variety of color because guess what? That colorful rainbow of veggies/fruits you are preparing comes packed with wholesome vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your body craves to keep you functioning properly.
Not only that, but they taste good especially if they’re fresh! (Tip- depending on the season, try a Farmers Market to help choose the best veggies.)
This array of veggies/fruits you are looking at was brought in by one of the lovely registered dietitians who prepared this herself.
I have to give a shout out to the carrots 🤣 these were like the actual carrots that you see bugs bunny eating🤣 these weren’t the mini baby carrots! She literally cut off the root and sliced them. They had so much flavor!
So again, I challenge us as we go into this holiday to prepare a healthy dish such as this.
When the time is right, for those of you who grow your own veggies, serve it own a platter just like this!
I just want to leave off with just a couple brief benefits, from what you see here, that these scrumptious veggies/fruits provide:
Cucumbers
- Keeps our body hydrated and helps remove toxins from your digestion system
- Peak Season for Cucumbers: May to August
- You don’t see cucumbers in this pic, but I LOVE them and would feel remised if I didn’t add to this list :o)
Squash
- Slew of Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A,Vitamin C, Vitamin E, B-Vitamins. Minerals: Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus, Calcium and Iron.
- Provides very good source of carotenoids and other important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
- In season: June through October
Cherry Tomatoes
- one of the richest sources of vitamin C
- loaded with insoluble fiber, the type of fiber that sweeps out your gut and helps you have regular bowel movements
- In season: Year around
Carrots
- source of beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants
- linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved eye health
- In season: May through December
Celery
- Celery and celery seeds have approximately 25 anti-inflammatory compounds that can offer protection against inflammation in the body
- generous amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber which support a healthy digestive tract and keep you regular
- In season: November through May
Sweet Bell Peppers
- rich source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A
- Bell pepper has adequate levels of essential minerals. Some of the main minerals in it are iron, copper, zinc, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium
- In season: July through September