One of the hardest things for our Lion and Otter Diet Types to change about their diet is the aspect of fruit – there is none on the Lion and Otter Diets. Many people can’t believe that we would tell them to eat no fruit. “What about vitamins and minerals and fiber?” they usually ask. Well, there are plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber in vegetables, and those are highly encouraged with the high protein diet.
Vegetables do not have the same effect that fruit does on blood sugars and blood pH. Fruit can make a your blood sugar go out of range and also make the blood pH worse. For nutrient-packed food that will support physiology, vegetables are always the way to go over fruit. Here are some of our favorites:
Bell peppers
Red, green, yellow or orange, these crisp pepper are delicious! They are packed full of antioxidant power with vitamin C, vitamin A, and also contain a number of B vitamins. They are versatile and can be used in many recipes. Our favorite use is to chop them and add to tuna or chicken salad, or stuff with ground beef and cheese for some yummy stuffed peppers!
Artichokes
This vegetable is a fun one! After boiling or steaming a whole artichoke, the leaves can be pulled off and dipped into butter, vinegar, or an aioli sauce. The hearts can be used on top pf a delicious salad or in a dip. Artichokes have great immune-boosting potential due to the phytonutrients and antioxidants found in them. They are also considered anti-aging and anti-cancerous. Who wouldn’t want to add them to their diet?
Brussels Sprouts
We know that most people turn their noses when they hear this vegetable, but when was the last time you gave it a try? Tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper and roasted until crispy, these little things are delicious! Give a try – they are more than worth it. Full of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate, Brussels sprouts protect against disease, including cancer, and are great detoxifiers. They have been shown to clear harmful compounds out of cells.
Eggplant
Deep purple, full of flavor, and full of antioxidants, eggplant is a great addition to any diet. It contains a certain anthocyanin phytonutrient that prevents cell membranes from damage, specifically in the brain. It can certainly be called “brain food”. How do you prepare it? Try it with Italian sausage – slice two Italian sausages into chunks and sauté in a pan along with a little olive oil and a couple cloves of chopped garlic. Chop a medium eggplant into bit size chunks and toss in with the sausage, sautéing until just cooked. Add a couple chopped fresh tomatoes and stir until bubbly. Add some basil and Asagio cheese and you have a delicious meal.
Those are only four options out of many! If you haven’t increased your vegetable intake yet, what are you waiting for! Vegetables fit into all Diet Types, and we can help you figure out which Diet Type is best for you.
