The Essential Ingredients in Weight Loss

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Written by Staff Reporter

Thursday, 04 March 2010

I've already talked about the importance of balancing your blood sugar levels throughout the day with slow release carbohydrates (brown rice/pasta, oat crackers/porridge or brown bread) and protein (beans/lentils, eggs, chicken). Yet there is one food group that is absolutely essential in terms of weight loss, and that is fresh fruit and vegetables.

By adding fresh fruits and vegetables to any meal or snack, you're adding a whole lot of goodness. They are packed with fibre which fills you up and keeps you satisfied for long, as well as keeping your bowel motions regular.

You also are increasing the anti-oxidants and phytonutrients (very powerful anti-oxidants) you have with the meal. These powerful nutrients help to protect the cells of your body and support your immune system and overall health.

Also, because these foods are considered superfoods, they provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals which help the body make energy and keep you feeling good. You will not only be losing weight but protecting yourself against heart disease and cancer.

The daily recommended amount of fruit and vegetables is 5 a day, but some organisations are recommending from 5-9. The dish below serves 4 and shows how you can have several portions of vegetables in one dish.

Warm Roasted Root Salad

2 beetroots, peeled and cubed
2 parsnips, peeled and cubed
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
200g of rocket or mixed salad leaves
1 tin of chickpeas
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
A squeeze of lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 180 oc.
Place the cubed root vegetables (all cubed to a similar size) in large roasting tin. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, and a small amount of salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Spread vegetables across the roasting tin evenly in one layer.

Drain chickpeas and wash well. Wash the rocket well. Place in large bowl or individual serving bowls.

Roast vegetables in the preheated oven till tender, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and add to salad. Drizzle with a little of the squeezed lemon juice and olive oil.

To learn how to add these superfoods into your daily diet, try one of my cookery demonstrations. Contact me on 086 8179964 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info.

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