I realized recently that so much of my diet is dull in color. I'm not sure when I started putting the sepia filter on every meal but it needs to stop. On my New Year's Resolutions List is to add more green to my diet. Here's why:

Most green foods, such as spinach and broccoli, are considered super foods because they contain a high amount of antioxidants in them. Plenty of vitamin A, C and E can be found in most green foods, in addition to other important nutrients such as iron and zinc. Antioxidants play a major role in protecting your body from viruses so they're important to health. Eating at least three servings of greens each and every day will provide your body with enough antioxidants to keep you protected.

Low in Calories

Green foods, especially dark leafy ones, contain a large amount of water which in turn leaves them extremely depleted of calories. This means that you can eat as many of them as you possibly can, and you don't have to worry about gaining any weight. In fact, adding these foods to your favorite dishes like enchiladas, soups, casseroles and pastas can help bulk up the meal while keeping the calories under control, so you can eat more of your favorite foods without a jump in calorie intake.

Great Source of Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are special chemicals in found in green foods that have a good effect on the body after they are consumed. These properties help to boost your immune system, and they help protect you against cellular damage. In order to get a wide range of these nutrients, it's important to switch up the foods you eat from day to day.

Just about Carb Free

Although there are a small amount of carbohydrates available in green foods, the carbs that are found in the food are important for your health. These particular carbs are complex, so they are packed with much needed fiber which helps to keep you full longer throughout the day. Fiber also helps to grab pollutants and other unnecessary things within the body and dispose of them before they are absorbed. The fiber also plays a vital role in regular bowel movements.

Easy on Your Glucose Levels

Many foods that are consumed in today's world are processed, and therefore play a role in raising blood glucose levels extremely high before they come crashing back down again. This process can really wreak havoc on your system, and may even lead to diabetes. However, green foods are very low in sugars and because they're packed with fiber and water, they actually help to regulate your blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Source: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/the-power-of-green-foods.html

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