Everyone knows that a well balanced diet includes a healthy helping of green vegetables, but did you also know that leafy sides are actually better for you than others? We wanted to find out which greens tipped the scale when it came to nutritional value to ensure our choices are smart and effective when planning our next meal. So, if you are a fan of munching on some broccoli with ranch dip or enjoy a fresh spinach salad, then our top picks are going to make your day!
Most greens can be prepared in a variety of ways, including raw preparation, steaming and mixed in with other ingredients to give a variety of texture and flavor. One of my all time favorites is stir-fry. You can incorporate practically any protein you like to your veggies and serve over brown rice for a quick, healthy flavorful meal. The nutritional values indicated below are based on raw consumption. Keep in mind, often when we cook vegetables we tend to loose some of their inherent nutrients, so if you want the biggest bang for you buck, then in most cases raw will be the way to go.
Our Top 5 Picks to Add To Your Diet
There are tons of greens out there for you to enjoy, and while everyone has their own preference on what tastes good, what goes best with their signature dishes and how best to prepare their favorite vegetables, here are a few of our choice recommendations:
Spinach
- Nutritional Value – 1 cup: Calories – 6.9g / Protein – 0.9g / Carbs – 1.1g
- Consumption – Raw, Cooked, Steamed
- Meal Ideas – Fresh Spinach Salads, Parmesan Spinach Cakes, Sauteed Spinach
Broccoli
- Nutritional Value – 1 cup: Calories – 30.9g / Protein – 2.6g / Carbs – 6.0g
- Consumption – Raw, Cooked, Steamed
- Meal Ideas – Broccoli Dippers, Chile Roasted Broccoli, Sauteed Broccoli
Kale
- Nutritional Value – 1 cup: Calories – 33g / Protein – 2.9g / Carbs – 6g
- Consumption – Raw, Cooked, Pureed
- Meal Ideas – Kale Chips, Salad Mixture, Juicer
Swiss Chard
- Nutritional Value – 1 cup: Calories – 7g / Protein – 0.6g / Carbs – 1.3g
- Consumption – Raw, Cooked, Pureed
- Meal Ideas – Shard Salad, Sushi Rolls, Spicy Potato and Shard Soup
Cabbage
- Nutritional Value – 1 cup: Calories – 6g / Protein – 0.3g / Carbs – 1.3g
- Consumption – Raw, Cooked, Steamed
- Meal Ideas – Cheddar Roasted, Cabbage Salad, Cabbage Soup
There are so many recipes out in the world for you to try that just getting started with these top 5 greens are bound to add a unique variety and exciting way to explore new food groups. If you are a fan of salads, soups or other dishes, our top 5 can be incorporated into all types of meals and snacks. Unlike other dishes, greens are normally quick, easy and enjoyable. With minimum effort, you can whip up a quick snack, prepare a delicious side dish or pack a salad full of protein, vitamins and minerals within minutes.
Many Americans fail to get the proper nutrients and minerals they need on a daily basis. With the convenient supplemental market providing alternatives to healthy eating habits, it is no wonder that most individuals don’t know how to make a basic salad while incorporating some of the best greens on the planet.
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