Avoiding Carrots?

I often hear from my clients that they avoid carrots because they are “too high” in sugar.  If you avoid them because of this, you’re missing out on some great nutrients!  One serving (7” long, 1 ¼” diameter) provides 5 grams of naturally occurring sugar.  Compare that to one serving of broccoli (2 grams of naturally occurring sugar) and one serving of a red bell pepper (4 grams naturally occurring sugar) and you see the sugar content of a carrot is not far off.  So although carrots provide slightly more sugar per serving than other vegetables, they can still be a part of a healthy diet. Carrots have dietary fiber, antioxidants such as carotenoids, and provide the recommended dietary allowance for Vitamin A. 

Vitamin A:  1 serving meets the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin A which has many benefits including: 

• Preventing macular degeneration, cataracts, and night blindness.

• Supporting cell growth

• Supporting a healthy immune system

• Playing a role in normal function and maintenance of organs like your heart and lungs

Fiber: 1 serving provides 2 grams of fiber. Fiber can help:

• Reduce constipation

• Improve regularity

• Reduce cholesterol levels

• Reduce blood glucose levels

• Increase feelings of satiety

Antioxidants: Carrots are rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein) which can help:

• Your immune system

• Protect against free radicals

• Lower the risk of developing cancer and heart disease

Snack Idea:  Dip your carrots in a high protein dip!  Check out this recipe!

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip

Ingredients

• 1 cup 2% plain greek yogurt

• 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley

• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

*fresh chives, finely diced for garnish

Directions:

• In a food processor, add in all ingredients and mix until combined. May also stir by hand.

• Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use

• Use a variety of raw vegetables for dipping

*Another option is using Hidden Valley Ranch Season Mix Packet with the Greek yogurt