Sometimes challenges start at the kitchen table.

That’s essentially where this challenge started. As a natural health practitioner, I know how important a balanced diet is, and I know the symptoms of an imbalanced one.

So, I knew what was going on when I started noticing some not-so-great health changes in myself. I also knew why those changes were happening. I was opting for quick foods that were frequently packaged. I was falling into a pattern where I would just toss some poor-quality vegetable on the plate most of the time- to be completely honest, it wasn’t even every time we ate.

I was feeling bad physically, but I also felt like I wasn’t being true to myself in a professional context either.

I decided to approach the new year as an opportunity to change that. Big changes start with baby steps, so here’s what I’ve got planned, and I hope you’ll be interested in joining me in my efforts to introduce more vegetables and a better variety by practicing and finding ways to prepare these foods.

Resources

We’ll be keeping a rolling list for each month here, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables! Here’s a link to a great website that will show you what fruits and vegetables are seasonal in each month to help guide you in these selections.

Find a great recipe you love? Well, share it, friend! You can email links or recipes to us at LRochaNaturopath@gmail.com and they might make the list of the top 5 recipes for each month!

January Challenge: Beets

I know, we’re coming out swinging, but this is a keystone winter root vegetable. Here are the links for you to check out for this challenge:

How to Cook Beets So They’re Actually Delicious

My Favorite Beet Recipe: Red Root Relish

Honey Roasted Beets

Beet Humus

February Challenge: Parsnips

This cousin of the carrot was in it’s hayday in the New World until the potato showed up, but it’s a great option in so many recipes!

Mashed “Potatoes”

Parsnip & Apple Soup

Honey Roasted Parsnips & Carrots

March Challenge: Collards

A staple on southern tables, collard greens are just as popular in Portugal and Brazil!

Cajun Collard Greens

Southern Style Collard Greens

Southern Collard Greens (version #2)

April Challenge: Nettle

Just trust me here- nettle is a quintessential plant food for spring, and it won’t hurt to eat! The prickly spines it’s known for soften when it’s cooked!

Stinging Nettle Pesto

Nettle Iced Tea

Forty Nettle Recipes!

May Challenge: Leeks

Leeks are sadly neglected for the amount of nutrients they provide! Here are some great recipes to help get more vitamin A, C, B and copper into your body!

15 Delicious Leek Recipes

Leek & Potato Soup

Roasted Leeks


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