It’s always hard losing weight during the holidays. There are too many pies, cakes and pastries to tempt you to forget your diet and just let go. Soon you will be filling yourself up with candy from your kids’ trick or treat bags (come on, admit it!) and turkey with its luscious crispy skin and stuffing, not to mention all the cocktails you will end up drinking while waiting for those dinners to be ready. Do you even want to talk about Christmas dinner? How can you keep the weight from coming back?
As proponents of weight loss programs constantly tell us, the key is in what you choose to eat. Moderation is also very important. Fall is one of the best times for fresh produce because they are harvested at their prime. They taste better and are packed with more nutrients because they are allowed to ripen on the plant instead of in storehouses. There are so many fall vegetables to choose from, but have you tried beets? They’re not usually in the spotlight, but with the benefits they have, it’s a surprise that they aren’t.
Beets are rich in antioxidants called betalains. Antioxidants help you in many ways–from losing weight to protecting you from cancer. Antioxidants also protect you from premature aging and liver damage. Essentially, antioxidants fight the free radicals in your body. Free radicals are natural by-products of cell processes, but they are also linked to cancer and other related diseases. Doctors say that when you lessen the amount of free radicals in your body, you make yourself healthier and less prone to disease. Antioxidants help you do that.
You may not even need diet pills if you take beets because they are so rich in fiber that you feel full and that’s almost like your appetite is suppressed. Beets can be eaten raw, as long as you scrub them clean. They have a rather nasty way of staining your clothes or your counter tops, so if you are going to eat them raw, peel them under running water and slice them thinly. You can also roast beets. Wrap them in foil and bake for 40 minutes in a 400oF oven. Once cooked you can cube them and add them to salads or eat them on their own. Sugar beets are popular because they are sweet and can be made into pies. Don’t throw the beet tops (some call them beet greens) away! Sautéed with garlic and lemon, they taste like kale and are perfect for side dishes.
Beets may not be the most popular holiday vegetable, but they give you excellent value for money and nutrition. The next time you are in the grocery, get a bunch of beets and liven up your next dinner.
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