Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Maybe you’re having corned beef and cabbage tonight for your traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal and maybe you’re thinking about doing something ‘green’ to honor St. Pat. Below is a list of Top 5 Green Veggies and herbs that are readily available, nutritious and easy to use. And, I’ve also included links to some amazing recipes from the top destination spas in the U.S., such as Canyon Ranch, Golden Door, Red Mountain Spa and Rancho la Puerta. Enjoy your day and here’s to the Irish (and healthful eating made simple)!
1. Green Beans/String Beans
Fresh is always best and always available. Green beans are low in calories and high in nutrition noting vitamins A, C and K to name a few. Steam or eat them raw. They’re crunchy and yummy and can be used as a side, a salad or as a main dish when you add an Irish favorite, like potatoes.
2. Spinach
Popeye’s favorite and mine, too. Packed with nutrients like vitamins A, K and manganese and other cardioprotective nutrients. One of the dark, leafy vegetables that’s so important for healthy eating. Steam or saute in a little olive oil and garlic or enjoy in a salad.
3. Avocado
The ‘good’ fat you may want to include. Monounsaturated fatty acids, like oleic acid, may help lower your cholesterol. Filled with nutrients like vitamin K, fiber, potassium and more. Enjoy in a sandwich, in a salad or with your favorite Mexico-inspired meal (and there are low fat and healthy versions of guacamole you can make on your own).
4. Peppermint
Ah, soothing mint! It may help with digestion and is a source of vitamins C and A. It’s refreshing, cooling and soothing. Use for mint tea, on a bowl of fresh fruit or with some cold water and ice as a refreshing drink.
5. Basil
So fragrant and flavorful! A nutritious herb with anti-bacterial properties as well as vitamins A, K and calcium. Known to be used in many Italian dishes, such as pesto and Insalata Caprese (yes, a personal favorite), which consists of fresh tomato, mozzarella (part-skim preferred) and fresh basil with a drizzle of good olive oil.
I hope you’ll enjoy more of these veggies in your diet and maybe visit one of the destination spas noted for their recipes above as a way to kick-off a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy!