Are green veggies the superheroes of healthy eating?

Pina colada smoothie anyone? There are many clever, and dare we say, delicious ways to up your intake of greens. And the benefits? Too many to count.

Eating your greens is one of the smartest and easiest ways to lose weight and stay healthy.

Plant foods like spinach, kale, cucumber and broccoli are nutritional superstars loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre.

And did we mention they’re low in calories?

Including plenty of greens in your diet has been shown to reduce your risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even certain cancers.

What are some of the healthiest greens?

One of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, kale is chock-full of vitamin K, with just half a cup providing 440 per cent of the recommended daily value.

It also contains calcium, great for bone strength.

Broccoli gets its great reputation because it’s high in micronutrients including vitamins A, C and K.

Those same three vitamins are also found in green beans, which are packed full of fibre too.

And Popeye picked a winner with spinach, which has immune system-boosting vitamin A (over half your recommended daily dose in one serving).

And we haven’t even started on herbs.

So, how do I make greens part of every day?

There are lots of easy ways to add green goodness to your everyday diet that will keep tastebuds happy.

Silverbeet, cos lettuce, swiss chard and even cabbage all make great ‘lettuce’ cups or wraps.

Try adding chopped greens to a stir fry or smoothie.

Or whip some basil into a pesto.

Saute greens with garlic, onion and chilli and throw in some mushrooms — delish!

Or steam your greens and drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest and pepper for a great accompaniment to your protein and some wow factor the whole family will enjoy.

If you’re running short of time and/or energy?

Worried you’re not getting enough greens? Supplements like Vital All-in-One may be the answer to your green goodness prayers.

A 78-ingredient daily formula in convenient powder format, Vital All-in-One contains vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, greens, fruits, digestive enzymes and more.

Just two teaspoons a day in a glass of water or a smoothie will support good gut health, energy, immunity and overall health and nutrition. Quick and easy!

And, just because we always keep our promises, read on for our healthy pina colada smoothie – for the days you need a quick and yummy pick-me-up. You’re welcome.

Pina colada smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup fresh baby spinach

¾ cup coconut milk

1 cup frozen pineapple

2 scoops of Vital Vegan Pea Protein Vanilla Powder

Desiccated coconut to sprinkle on top

 Method

Add coconut milk and spinach to blender.

Blend on high speed until completely smooth.

Add frozen pineapple and Vital Protein Powder and blend again until smooth.

* This post is brought to you by Vital All In One Powder.