In fact, it’s possible to improve your health and feel fantastic by eating a more balanced diet that includes more vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are important for a healthy body weight, too.

“Leafy greens have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lutein, which is found in leafy greens, helps to support eye health and brain function as well as enhancing memory and learning,” said registered dietitian Valerie Shaw of Riverton Hospital. 

Studies show that generous amounts of these foods can help improve your health in a number of ways, including:

• Preventing obesity
• Enhancing energy levels
• Losing excess weight
• Maintaining a healthy weight throughout your life

“Adding leafy greens to your diet provides an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, C, K, potassium, calcium, and iron,” says Shaw. “They also contain fiber, which helps you feel full and helps with weight loss.”

One way to get some extra veggies is by adding them into your smoothies. You can pack a powerhouse of enzymes, vitamins and minerals in your diet by incorporating dark leafy greens.

By trying this, you’ll hopefully have more energy, improved digestion, and fewer cravings for sweets! 

Here’s one recipe you may want to try: 

The Ultimate Green Smoothie 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup ice 
• 2 large leaves kale (with stems) 
• 3 large handfuls spinach 
• 2 cups frozen mixed berries (12 oz. bag) 
• 1 apple of other favorite fruit (optional) 
• 1 banana 
• 1 scoop PLANT-based Protein 
• 2 rounded T Sprouted Ground Flaxseed 

In a high-speed blender, blend water, ice, and greens for 30 seconds until smooth. Add fruit, protein, sprouted flax, and blend until smooth. Keeps 48 hours in the fridge. 

Yield: 1 quart, 400 calories, 10 servings of vegetables and fruit. 

Join Shaw and Chef Gary Blunt for a food demonstration in which they’ll prepare and serve green smoothies this Thursday, March 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Riverton Hospital in the new education center, building 2. 

For more tips how you can make healthier habits and better choices to eat well, visit https://intermountainhealthcare.org/live-well/eat-well/.