It's easy being green
Did you know that frozen vegetables are a nutritious substitute for fresh ones? In fact, most frozen veggies are packed within hours of harvest time, so their flavour and nutrients are almost "locked in." Here's how you can enjoy the great taste of veggies all winter long.
• Peas. Add green
peas to any recipe and you'll instantly boost the fibre content. Just half
a cup of cooked frozen peas boasts 3.7 grams of fibre. Canada's Food Guide
recommends eating at least one dark green veggie — like peas —
every day. All dark green vegetables are an important source of folate, which
is important for the maintenance of good health. Sneak in a cup of frozen
peas in our Light
Macaroni and Cheese recipe or try this fibre-rich Bowtie
Pasta Toss for dinner tonight.
• Corn. This fabulous, low-fat, versatile veggie always adds
a splash of summer colour to your winter meals. Toss a handful of frozen corn
into your favourite chowder, stew or casserole. Save half a cup to make this
zesty Southwestern
Bean Salad.
• Butternut squash. The best thing about using frozen squash
is that you don't have to peel or cut it. In addition to your greens, Canada's
Food Guide recommends we eat at least one orange vegetable too. So, try butternut
squash to add some healthy beta-carotene to your diet. Add cooked cubes of
squash to whole wheat couscous or a brown rice pilaf. For hearty comfort in
a bowl, serve up mashed butternut squash drizzled with a small amount of Becel
margarine.
• Broccoli. Switch up your daily greens often with beautiful,
beneficial broccoli. It contains fibre and is another good source of folate.
Enjoy your broccoli in Curried
Chicken and Vegetable Couscous dinner. Then, later in the week, make this
fast and easy Ginger
Carrots and Broccoli with Sesame Seeds as a side dish, or simply add a
cup of broccoli to your favourite stir fry.
Remember, your mother was right; vegetables are good for you, so do your best to keep them in your diet throughout the winter.