Where did the nutrients go?

We have all seen it, even if you don't know what it is yet you have seen it. The person sitting with a big bowl of iceberg lettuce, shaved carrots, a few radishes, croutons and loaded with ranch dressing (because ranch is the chosen dressing for a certain well known diet). Where did the nutrients go you may ask or the question may be why is this not a nutrient filled salad? Isn't all lettuce created equal?

Here's the skinny on lettuce and other greens machines. Not all lettuce is created equal and there are greens out there which pack more vitamins, minerals and nutrients than others so why not eat the best you can get?

Essentially, eating iceberg lettuce is the equivalent of eating a Styrofoam cup or you could just chow down on the plastic plant you have in your office. It goes like this, it adds a little color but it's mostly just filling your plate and though it is cheaper you are really not getting much for the money you've spent. Iceberg lettuce has very little in the way of fiber, vitamins or minerals so why do most places serve this tasteless wonder in every salad you are paying several hard earned bucks for, if you eat out? It is cheaper and they are making more money.

Please don't be offended if you are an Iceberg fan and you enjoy the salads in the bag type of salad, this is not to be offensive but educational. We have not always known what we know now concerning food and the benefits of certain choices concerning the food we eat, it has and continues to be a process of educating ourselves and making changes as we need to. This being the case, we do not expect or lobby for people making quick overnight changes to their dietary intact without really counting the cost and preparing.

The process for us (especially me) started over 7 years ago, when I first chose to look at the food I was eating and the ingredients in those foods and here we are in 2010 having made a drastic changes in lifestyle which includes dietary, physical activity and caring for our Image. "We have been made in His Image- Love that Image"(Lesa McCant)

Most people can't eat how we eat (although we eat simply) when they try to change everything overnight or cold turkey; these type of adjustments in our lifestyles and eating habits must be taken gradually for several reasons one of which is this- you will often get overwhelmed with what you see is a lack of things you enjoy and then feel guilty if you have it; this creates bondage and bondage is not appropriate or beneficial in any sense of the word when you are dealing with lifestyle choices including and especially food.

A Nutrient is a chemical that an organism needs to live and grow, or a substance used in an organism's metabolism which must be taken in from it's environment. Nutrients are the substances that enrich the body while helping to rebuild and repair tissues, give heat and energy and regulate body processes. Proper nutrients taken in from nutrient dense food sources are necessary for proper growth and repair of the breakdown that takes place in our bodies on a daily basis (especially when we living actively in a weight training and exercise lifestyle). As muscles fibers tear during a workout, they must go through repair, building and healing which takes place during the rest phase after the workout.

Look at these options for greens besides Iceberg and the great things they are packed with.

Romaine: said to be one of the best vegetable sources for beta-carotene- about 712 micrograms per cup- high amounts of beta-carotene has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells by 50% (according to a study by the University of Illinois)

Arugula: one cup has 10% of the calcium found in a glass of whole milk (without the saturated fats). It also has magnesium for for protection from Osteoporosis (all of us who are aging and this all of us can use this protection).

Mustard Greens: Packed with amino acid tyrosine, which in studies has been found to significantly improve memory and concentration.

Spinach: a top source of lutein and zeaxanthin 2 powerful antioxidants that protect your vision from old age (not that the eyes don't get older but you get the idea). A Tufts University study found that frequent Spinach eaters had a 43% lower risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Just a few things you can add to your salads if your not already eating them and you will have a plate full of nutrients to help fuel your body for growth and repair. On top you can add your favorite veggies, some grilled chicken, turkey etc.

Be creative and have fun! Eating healthy is not as hard as people in the fast food world of feeding would have us believe but hey this is how they make their millions.

"You have been created in His Image...Love that Image"

Until later