Only 7% of Australian’s are meeting their recommended intake of vegetables! Yet we manage to get through approximately 110kg of meat per person, each year (far more than is recommended) [1].
About Why You Should Eat Your Veggies
Vegetables are greatly under appreciated considering the wonderful benefits they provide. They provide us with energy, help our bodies to heal, assist with weight loss and can even help us live longer! Below is a list of benefits the humble vegetable can provide.
Benefit: Weight control
Vegetables are low kilojoule but nutrient dense. This makes them perfect to fill up on at meal times or in-between meals. They are also low GI and high fibre which keeps you fuller for longer, keeps your bowels regular and helps to keep blood sugar levels stable.
Benefit: Money saving
Many people think that vegetables are an expensive item to buy and that is why they don’t eat as much as they should be. This is a common misconception!
By eating more vegetables with our meals, we can cut down on the quantity of meat we are eating. This is not only beneficial for our health but meat is considerably more expensive than vegetables are. Vegetables as well make for a cheaper snack than a muesli bar, chocolate bar, chips or other packaged snacks.
Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables so if your concern is over their perishable nature then buy the frozen variety and there will be no wastage.
Benefit: Reduced risk of cancer
Vegetables are full of phytochemicals and antioxidants that assist in lowering an individual’s risk of cancer. Each type and colour of vegetable has its own health benefits so it’s important to get as much variety in as possible! Substituting meat for more vegetables will also assist with lowering the risk of cancer. A high intake of red meat and processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer.
Benefit: A dose of vitamins and minerals
Vegetables are packed full of vitamins and minerals. They are essential for good health and help to keep the body running efficiently and provide a good source of energy.
Benefit: Management of cholesterol levels
Vegetables are fat free and high in fibre – two things that have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.
Benefit: Kind to the environment
Livestock farming is responsible for a significant amount of methane production which contributes to Australia’s greenhouse-gas emissions. By filling up on more vegetables and thereby reducing your meat consumption, you will be playing a small part in helping out the environment!
Benefit: Taste great and make a meal go further!
Vegetables taste great and are so versatile! By adding more to your meal, you can stretch the meal out a lot further. Remember to steam or stir-fry vegetables opposed boiling so that the nutrients are retained.
Contact us for results focused nutritional advice
This article was written by our dietitian Belinda Elwin who is a Dietitians Association of Australia member and Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist. If you have questions about healthy eating, make an appointment. We‘ll provide you with a simple and effective routine targeted to your concerns. Contact us today.
Resources
- Longfield B. Why You Need to Veg Out. Sydney: Australian Healthy Food Guide; Mar 2015.
