Teen Challenges

Having two teens is presenting different challenges that I am now trying to learn to handle. If you have teens you may know what I am talking about. Especially a teenage daughter.

Every thing from her all of a sudden claiming she wants to be a vegetarian. Which I am ok with, but she is so picky she barely likes any food - never mind any vegetarian foods. Now I've got to come up with some different recipes. I found this on Martha Stewart website - I may try making these tonight:

(c @Martha Stewart.com - Vegetable Enchiladas) 

Don't Be Afraid to Eat Your Veggies, Part II

As promised here's Part II. Read Part I Here if you like.

Another vegetable that has gotten a bad rap recently is carrots. The myth that low-carb diets have perpetuated is that carrots are loaded with sugar. The fact is that one cup of chopped raw carrots contain just 52 calories and only 12 g of carbs. Half of the carbs are from natural sugar. The rest are from heart- healthy fiber and complex carbohydrates.

The sugar in carrots are fewer than you would get in a cup of milk or a piece of fruit. Plus they're packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber. And of course you know they are good for your eyes, that is a fact! They're also beneficial in the fight against colon cancer. So eat your carrots!

Another veggie that has a bad reputation is celery. The myth around celery is it's just water. But this veggie has disease preventing vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Celery is great for keeping your blood pressure down, it contains a phytochemical that protects against cancer, and it helps you stay slim. Celery can satisfy your urge to munch on less healthy snacks!

And the last vegetable I want to talk about is corn. Corn over the years has been fighting the myth that it is nothing more than carbs. Of course corn has carbs, but they're the best kind! High quality complex carbs. Corn also is loaded with fiber (one ear has 15% of your daily fiber.) Studies have shown that corn is also good for your heart, by containing folate. Which is a B-vitamin that is good for your heart. Corn also gives you energy from a mineral called thiamin. Like carrots, corn has also been proven to be good for your vision.

So as you can see don't believe the myths when it comes to these veggies! The health benefits from these vegetables is a fact!

Don't Be Afraid to Eat Your Veggies, Part I

Some vegetables have gotten a bad rap recently. With all the low-carb diets out there the past few years, certain veggies have become unpopular. Well, these vegetables deserve a better reputation then they are getting.

One of the veggies that has gotten on the hit list of veggies is good old-fashioned White Potatoes. White potatoes have the myth attached to them that they can make you fat. When in fact, one medium baked potato has only 161 calories, plus 4 g of filling fiber. If you keep portions sizes in check and eat the fiber rich skin (which most people don't, but should) potatoes can make a satisfying, low-cal, nutrient-rich side dish. And recent studies have also found white potatoes can be benificial in fighting heart disease, lung and prostate disease, and can help lower your blood pressure.

Another vegetable not getting the credit it deserves is Iceberg lettuce. The myth is that Iceberg lettuce has no nutrients. The fact is Iceberg lettuce has plenty of good for you compounds. Only one cup of shredded iceberg lettuce will give you 20% of your daily dose of vitamin K. Iceberg lettuce is also a good source of vitamin A, which is good for your vision. Iceberg lettuce is also a great base for salads, and anything to keep you eating healthy salads, can't be bad for you!

So don't be afraid to eat these veggies, and serve them to your family! Next in part two I'll look at carrots, celery and corn! Stay tuned.