888-765-5400Eat your Way to Healthy – the Root of Preventive Care
Fall has officially arrived and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina thinks autumn is a great time to eat your way to healthy. Fall vegetables, especially root vegetables, abound this time of year and can easily become a part of your fall health regimen. In addition to being delicious, vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, radishes, onions and garlic contain significant amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene, both of which help to clean the blood and prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Because of the high amounts of antioxidants they contain, eating root vegetables can significantly improve your physical health, as well as improving your mental well-being. The antioxidants contained in root vegetables help remove free-radicals and harmful toxins from your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, physically, mentally and emotionally.
In addition, most root vegetables are high in complex carbohydrates as well. These carbohydrates break down into sugar in your body, giving you the energy and ability to function properly throughout the day. Root vegetables are high in fiber, as well as being low in fat and calories, making them the perfect food for staying fit. The high amounts of nutrients root vegetables absorb from growing underground will help satisfy your cravings for junk food, which in turn will help you lose excess weight. The fiber in these vegetables also helps clean out your digestive system, increasing energy levels for an active lifestyle.
One of the great things about root vegetables is that they can be eaten year round and in almost any way imaginable, while still tasting great. They add variety and flavor to soups, stews and casseroles and can also be eaten steamed or raw. Eating root vegetables in their raw state will maximize the health benefits to your body and they are a great addition to salads, smoothies or vegetable juices. For recipe ideas click here.
BCBSNC is committed to preventive care on every level and a big part of prevention is maintaining a healthy diet. In fact, every health plan Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers covers at 100% screening, counseling and management for obesity in both adults and children, including nutrition counseling. (Review the summary of benefits and coverages for more information). This year, make fall a season for nutritious eating by adding a variety of delicious root vegetables to your daily diet… and eat your way to healthy!
Before starting any weight loss program, always consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents. Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.