Question about Veggies

[IrishRain]

So I know the deal with veggies. They're mandatory. They're important. If you don't eat them, Mitzi will hurt you.

But I've seen a lot about "2 cups of salad veggies and 1 cup of other veggies." Do I have to eat these so-called "other" veggies? Because I'd say about 90% of the veggies I've been eating have been salad veggies. Is that bad? Should I be trying to eat the "other" veggies, too? It's just that with the exception of the salad veggies, it's usually hard to tell in what or with what the things like green beans and broccoli have been cooked. When the broccoli's just steamed, I'll eat it. Otherwise, I just stick with lettuce/spinach and celery.

[momtomany1]

It is acceptable to stay mainly in the salad veggie list. You can't eat 3 cups of other veggies, but you can eat 3 cups of salad veggies. The actual rule goes 'you can eat one cup of other veggies if the salad veggies don't exceed two cups.' Do try to get a little variety like some lovely mushrooms or cucumbers.. have I mentioned you can fry radishes and they are awesome? But you're doing fine.

[Georgiana]

By eating only vegetables from the "salad vegetables" list, you are automatically reducing the amount/variety of other foods you can eat. Most of your carbohydrates (over half) should come from vegetables. So if you eat 3 cups of iceberg lettuce, that's about 3 carbs... and you are left with about 2 carbs from other foods (eggs, cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, spices, sweetener, etc.).

[IrishRain]

Hmmm. This is a little bit of a dilemma. I suppose I'll have to either stock up on the broccoli and green beans and such when they're steamed and then reheat them or I'll have to buy veggies from a local market. Or both. I am having about 1/4 cup of chopped onions, too. In my morning omelettes. Maybe I'll have some tomatoes in there, too.

Thanks for the help, Georgiana. I'll find a way to up my veggie carb intake.

[Georgiana]

I assume you are eating at a canteen. If so, join the club.

What I do when there are no "legal" cooked veggies is eat tomatoes. We usually have those... Onion is great, too. You could add more to your salads.

[clogger]

It sounds like you have a good plan now. Good luck!

[sylvia2009]

have you ever tried fresh or frozen cauliflower boiled then drain mash add salt pepper and butter it tastes just like mashed potatoes...yummmy

[sallyseachange]

I second the advice you've been given. Also, try to choose the most nutritious salad veggies as possible, avoiding too much iceberg which is more or less just crispy water.

[basketballbelly]

Originally Posted by Georgiana

By eating only vegetables from the "salad vegetables" list, you are automatically reducing the amount/variety of other foods you can eat. Most of your carbohydrates (over half) should come from vegetables. So if you eat 3 cups of iceberg lettuce, that's about 3 carbs... and you are left with about 2 carbs from other foods (eggs, cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, spices, sweetener, etc.).

I don't understand the math here. if over half of my carbs should come from veggies (20g carbs daily) I should have what 11g from veggies, how does tha only leave 2 carbs from other foods? Am I misunderstanding something, I'm trying to get this right so I just want to make sure I understand.

thanks
basketballbelly

[IrishRain]

Hey BasketballBelly,

She's not speaking in general, but rather to my specific intake, which is 3 cups, but not enough carbs worth of veggies. My intake should be 11 or more like yours.

And yah, Georgiana, I'm eating at a dining hall. Severely limited options. They have little cherry tomatoes at the salad bar. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of tomatoes, though I'll eat them in an omelette or on a burger. But I could choke down a few for the sake of my health.