UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Many people struggle to find ways to incorporate vegetables into their diets. To help individuals and families add the healthy flavor, texture and color of vegetables to their meals, Penn State Extension has released the "Totally Veggies Resource Guide."
According to a 2015 report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 14 percent of American adults get the recommended 2 to 3 cups of vegetables in their daily diets. Research shows that consuming enough vegetables has a positive effect on human health — providing essential vitamins and minerals not found in other foods; reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers; and promoting weight loss when eaten in place of foods with higher amounts of fat and calories.
Studies also have shown that nutrients in food work synergistically and that taking supplements is not as beneficial as eating the whole vegetable.
The research-based "Totally Veggies Resource Guide" discusses how to shop for, prepare and successfully introduce flavorful vegetable dishes for your family. Utilizing the Penn State Extension Vegetable Supper Club curriculum, the 44-page, full-color guide offers an overview of vegetable cooking techniques and a selection of simple vegetable-based recipes, such as Swiss chard lasagna and strawberry salsa. Each recipe includes a breakdown of the nutrition information, including calories, fat, sodium and fiber per serving and facts about the nutrients found in different vegetables.