Back to Your Roots

Are you looking to add more variety, nutrients, and color to your plate? Look no further than root vegetables.

The root vegetables consist of many different varieties including garlic, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, yucca, carrots, beets, parsnips, jicama, as well as turmeric and ginger. They grow below the ground, absorbing all of the beneficial minerals in the soil and are packed with nutrients and flavor. They are easy to grow in your garden and are usually readily available year round at your local market.

Root vegetables are naturally low in calories and high in beneficial fiber. They are loaded with nutrients including potassium, folic acid, and vitamins A, B, and C. They are also high in carotenoids and antioxidants which help to protect and repair damaged cells.

It’s easy to incorporate root vegetables into your diet and meal plans! 

Sweet potatoes and yams can be baked, mashed, or fried to provide a higher-nutrient and lower-starch alternative to regular potatoes. Roots such as beets, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic, and parsnips can be roasted to bring out their rich earthy flavor and natural sweetness. Serve them as a side dish or add to a salad or stew. They make a great alternative to rice or pasta. Sliced fresh carrots and jicama are great to dip in hummus or almond butter and provide a crunchy, fun, and healthy snack. Tumeric, ginger, carrots, and beets all make great additions to a smoothie, adding wonderful flavors, colors, and nutrients.

As many root vegetables contain a fair amount of starch (which eventually is converted to sugar by the body) it is best to control your serving size as you would with rice or pasta. A serving about the size of your fist is a good rule of thumb. Choose organic products when available to avoid consuming potential toxins which can accumulate in the soil. 

Incorporate the delicious flavors, variety, and tremendous health benefits of root vegetable into your diet today! Your body will thank you.