For those of you that have planted your own garden’s I bet some of your fruits and veggies are starting to bloom. This was the first year I planted Zucchini. I had always heard of friends and relatives talking about how they had so may large zucchini’s that they were giving them away and making LOTS of zuchhini bread.
Well, I picked an enormous zuchinni the other day. It made for more than a few meals for me. So I thought I would share a quick and simple recipe.
Slide the zucchini lengthwise into long strips. Brush with some olive oil and then top with either parmesan or mozzerella cheese. Sprinkle some oregano, parsley and pepper on top and bake in the overn at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
It’s a great quick and simple meal and when you leave the skin on its filling because its filled with LOTS of fiber.
Some key vitamins nutrients in a Zucchini: One cup of sliced summer squash or zucchini, boiled with no added salt contains 1.87 grams of protein, 41 calories and 2 grams of fiber.
They are also high in Potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Here is just a quick snapshot of some of the nutrients found in 1 cup of Zucchini:
Vitamin C 20 mg
Vitamin K 7.9mg
Potassium 319 mg
Phosphorus 52mg
Magnesium 29 mg
Calcium 40 mg
Maganese .283mg
Selenium .4mg
Zinc .4 mg
Copper .117 mg
Minerals are very important in our daily diets.
It is important to note that cooking does reduce the amount of nutrients that remain in the foods. So whenever you can, remember to try and eat as many of your veggies RAW.
When you look at the details, don’t discount the micronutrients and what might appear to be low amounts in this veggie or any other. Our bodies don’t need alot, but we do need these micronutrients in order for our bodies to function properly. Each vitamin and mineral has a specific purpose and function in the body. Our bodies will compensate and sometimes create health issues, if we are not getting what we need.
For some of these micronutrients, the only way to give your body what it needs is through consuming them, since the body doesn’t produce them by itself. The actual percentage of what you need is dependent upon your age and physical activity. In my health coaching programs, one thing I do is help educate you the various different nutrients found in many of your favorite fruits and veggies. As let’s face it, our fresh fruits and veggies don’t have labels indicating their nutrient values, like a box of cereal and many of us don’t realize where we might be lacking because its not something we pay particular attention to.
If you are are interested in learning more, stayed tuned for tips in future blogs, or reach out to see how a health consultation and/or health coaching services might be of benefit to you and your family.