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Carrots have many of the same health benefits as the vegetables mentioned above. They are well known as a health food and the fact that they are good for the eyes is common knowledge. Packed with fiber and nutrients they are a very necessary part of a healthy nutritional diet.
Carrots are healthy raw or cooked, but they actually may be slightly healthier when slightly cooked (like the difference between great and greater!). The nutrients become a little more bioavailable and more easily digested. And as with the other vegetables this week, the carotenoids and Vitamin A are fat-soluble so to get the most out of these nutrients carrots should be eaten with a little fat.
Add carrots to a smoothie and blend well, they will add a healthy boost and a slightly sweet flavor. Be sure to include some type of healthy fat for optimum absorption. Juicing carrots is popular, but they really should be used to enhance the taste and nutrients in a juice mixture including mostly greens and lower sugar content vegetables. Remember that juicing removes the healthy fiber. One of my favorite ways to combine healthy fat and carrots is to dip carrot slices in hummus for a filling, nutritious snack.
Try to thank outside the Holiday! Sweet Potatoes aren’t just for Christmas and Thanksgiving and Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween or pie! Canned pumpkin can be used to make tasty smoothies with some coconut milk, yogurt, cinnamon, etc.
Healthy Steamed Carrots
Fill the bottom of steamer with water and begin heating
Cut Carrots into ¼ inch slices
Steam covered for no more than 5 minutes. They should be tender, but easily pierced with a fork
Transfer to a bowl and toll with extra virgin olive oil, or coconut oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper while still hot.
Honey Mustard Sauce: Combine 1 TBL Dijon Mustard, 2 tsp honey & 2 TBL EVOO.
Drizzle over steamed carrots
Curried Carrot Salad: Add 1 TBL capers, ½ cup minced red onion, 1 cup greek yogurt, 1 tsp curry, ½ tsp cumin and red pepper flakes to taste. Chill and serve
