For the LOVE of Veggies . . . .

Fruit sounds healthy, but ever notice that it makes you hungry or doesn't satisfy? That's because fructose, the sugar in fruit doesn't affect ghrelin, a chemical that creates satiety. So we consume the calories but don't have the full feeling. That's not the case with veggies. Love 'em. Hate 'em. Eat 'em. I never eat anything I don't like, but by filling half my plate with veggies (that I like) and another half with lean protein, and a dab of something else, all sprinkled with some olive oil or healthy fats, food tastes fabulous and I get that feeling of satisfaction, all while losing weight or keeping weight down. Create a way of eating that pours on the veggies. It's all so easy, and if you really like the foods, you won't miss the other foods that ramp up insulin levels, imbalance neurotransmitters and increase inflammation. Here are some ideas: a baggie of baby carrots tucked into your backpack, a HUGE green salad sprinkled with avocado and sunflower seeds, a handful of baby grape tomatoes, a bunch of asparagus microwaved with salt, pepper, olive oil until crispy.  For the love of veggies!