Fitness Together Georgia

In season now, asparagus is one of the many veggies that packs a nutritional punch without a high caloric cost.  Thicker stalks mean the plant will be more tender, and more enjoyable to snap off those woody ends before cooking.  This particular vegetable can be prepared in a number of ways–boiled, steamed, grilled, or roasted.  Some of the nutritional benefits are as follows:

 

*High in folic acid–so all of you pregnant women eat up (plays a part in the prevention of neural tube defects).  Approximately one cup provides over half of the recommended daily allowance.

 

*3 grams of filling fiber per serving.  Plus, at less than 40 calories per serving, you may be tempted to “indulge” in 2 or 3 servings at a time.

 

*Good source of vitamins C, A, B6, and thiamin.  Also, about 400 milligrams of potassium per cup (about as much as a small banana!)

 

Asparagus is also low in the bad things like sodium and fat, so like most other veggies–fill your plate with as much as you like.  Mix up a stir fry with some other colorful in-season produce, lean meat, and brown rice and you have got a complete meal.  Check out the local farmers markets for a fresh bunch (or two)!

 

Katie Jensen

Fitness and Nutrition Coach

Psycohology, B.S., CSCS