5 Healthy Veggies that Make Tasty Side Dishes

Not a fan of vegetables?

Vegetables are SUPERFOODS filled with essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to run properly and maintain a healthy weight. 

So, listen up! If you want to up your health and weight loss game, here you go!

One of the best things you can do is to eat more veggies. It's true! Read why these vegetables are great for you and we toss in recipes full of flavor to help you discover a new favorite! 

5 Healthy Veggies that Make Tasty Side Dishes

Carrots 

Carrots are full of beta-carotene which your body turns into Vitamin A. Bet-carotene keeps your eyes healthy by improving your eyesight, lowers your chance for cataracts, and protects your eyes from the sun. And carrots are a good source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C.

Carrots with Maple Glaze Recipe- These are delicious! 

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups baby carrots or sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (substitute sugar-free maple syrup)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans 

In a small saucepan, bring carrots and water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10 minutes or until tender. Drain. Stir in the butter, syrup and pecans until the butter is melted. Recipe Credit to Taste of Home.  

Zucchini

Zucchini is filled with vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. They also contain carotenoids which may slow skin aging by helping to keep skin hydrated and elastic.

Baked Parmesan Zucchini 

Green Beans

Did you know there are over 100 varieties of green beans? Green beans are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, and of folic acid and fiber. Studies show they can reduce risk of diabetes and obesity. 

Green Beans with Cranberries (not just for holidays anymore) 

 Toss green beans with olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Roast at 425 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. Toss in 1/4 cup each dried cranberries and sliced almonds. Roast until the green beans are charred, 5 more minutes.

 Spinach 

There are great things in spinach such as folate, Vitamin A, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It lowers blood pressure, fights diabetes, fights cancer, supports your bones, and aids in digestion. WOW! Have some spinach!

Spinach with Bacon

Saute 3 sliced garlic cloves and 3 chopped slices bacon in 3 tablespoons olive oil until crisp. Stir in two 10-ounce bags baby spinach; cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Toss into pasta. 

Potatoes

Potatoes are a great source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and protein. All of these are essential to keep your weight regulated and your body systems running properly. 

Roasted Potatoes with Sage 

Coat halved small red potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt, season with pepper. Spray your baking sheet with nonstick spray or brush with olive oil. Sprinkle baking sheet with 1/2 cup sage. Add the potatoes, cut side down. Roast 20 minutes; season with salt and pepper. 

Do you have a favorite veggie recipe? Let us know in the comments. 

We are Curly Girl Fitness we want to support and encourage you and your family to take steps to live a healthier lifestyle! Check out our fitness apparel shop with styles you will love and they make perfect gifts! www.CurlyGirlFitness.com