Whole30 Challenge - Day 17 - Crazy for Veggies

I had a revelation about my Whole30 journey last night - a positive one.

I....crave....veggies. Not fruit, but veggies.



As much as that sounds like a load of bologna sausage, it is true. Last night, when I was getting ready for bed, I started thinking about what I was going to make for breakfast. And the cravings hit - fresh cucumbers, red peppers, roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots...Ahhh.

Believe it or not, instead of looking forward to my next chocolate bar or brownie fix, I am looking forward to the next serving of veggies. I love 'em - even asparagus, spinach, and mushrooms.

How much do you love your veggies?

Let's think about how awesome veggies are for you -

• Most vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. None have cholesterol.
• Vegetables are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C.
• Dietary fiber from vegetables, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as vegetables help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.
• Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections.
• Vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption.
• Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
• Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.
• Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
• Eating vegetables and fruits rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss.
• Eating foods such as vegetables that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.

Now, how much do you love veggies? You know now how much they love you.

My challenge for you today is to jam-pack your body with as many veggies as you can! I guarantee your body will love you for it. (Although, if you are not used to eat a lot of veggies, you may want to take it slow so you don't end up in the bathroom all day tomorrow.)

Ready? Go!