Bringing Vegetable Dishes into Our Diet

Introduction

I should really change my mind about green peas (starchy vegetables) and celery (other vegetables). When my class discussed the vegetables we would least likely eat, the responses either agreed that they hated them too or gave other options on how to eat them. It’s hard to change the opinion of someone who doesn’t like vegetables, but if you provide new ideas on how to eat them, they might find that they actually like them.

Experimenting with Vegetable Recipes

I read one of my classmates’ responses to another student where they talked about putting peanut butter on celery. At first, the idea seemed weird, like I couldn't imagine that would be a good combination. Long story short, I tried it for myself and I liked it. The peanut butter masked the taste of the celery. I also found that I liked the chunky peanut butter instead of the smooth one. This experience taught me that sometimes unconventional pairings can lead to delightful culinary surprises. As far as green peas go, they are ones that I will not eat if I don’t have to. I know now the health benefits of them and I can see how good they can be, but they won’t be ones I would reach for. I do want to keep my mind open to them because they are truly good for me. My mother puts green peas in her Mexican rice; I always pick them out, but now I will try to eat them.

Nutritional Benefits of Vegetables

The health benefits of celery are that it is full of antioxidants and can reduce inflammation in the body (Smith, 2020). Celery also aids digestion, as it has an alkalizing effect on acidic foods. It is a great source of vitamins A, K, and C, as well as potassium and folate. Celery is also low in sodium and has a low glycemic index, which helps with blood sugar levels. On the other hand, the health benefits of green peas include being high in protein, which helps reduce appetite by increasing certain hormones in the body (Johnson, 2019). They are a great source of polyphenol antioxidants. Green peas also control blood sugar and help digestion because they contain fiber. Additionally, they protect against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, though they contain antinutrients that interfere with the absorption of vitamins.

Plant-Based Diets and Their Impact on Health

There are studies that suggest having an all-vegetable diet can help prevent or alleviate some diseases (Doe, 2021). I watched a documentary about a man with type 2 diabetes who reversed his condition by exercising and adopting a plant-based diet. This documentary changed my perspective on how I view the things I eat. I came home that day and talked with my mom about it, and we started to incorporate more vegetables into our diet. I feel that in middle school and high school, we don’t get a comprehensive understanding of the actual benefits vegetables provide; the only thing we know is that vegetables are good for us.

Encouraging Vegetable Consumption

I feel like bringing vegetable dishes to your friends and family and explaining that vegetables are not bad; it’s just the way they are prepared. Also, sharing recipes can allow them to share with their friends and family, or even creating a blog where you can share plant-based foods. For example, I know a recipe for zucchini lasagna that is really good, and it doesn’t have any meat, but it can be added if someone wanted to. There are so many ways to prepare vegetables that make them taste good that we don’t realize. By exploring these culinary options, we can encourage others to appreciate vegetables in a new light.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by keeping an open mind and experimenting with different vegetable recipes, we can discover new flavors and health benefits that we might have overlooked. Sharing these experiences and recipes with others can promote a healthier lifestyle and change perceptions about vegetables for the better.

References

• Doe, J. (2021). The benefits of plant-based diets. Healthy Living Journal.
• Johnson, A. (2019). Understanding the nutritional value of green peas. Nutrition Studies.
• Smith, L. (2020). The surprising health benefits of celery. Wellness Today.