Eat your vegetables -- it's a rule you've likely heard since you were a child, but still may not be following through on as an adult. In fact, less than a quarter of Americans eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, according to 2009 data from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Yet, overcoming your veggie aversion is important because these foods offer tons of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. They are typically low in calories and fat, making them a great nutritional bargain. Rediscovering the benefits of a vegetable-rich diet may convince you to fill up your plate with these colorful foods from the garden.
Dark Greens
Dark green veggies include broccoli, spinach, kale, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, bok choy and certain dark lettuces, such as romaine. These vegetables are among some of the most important to include in your diet, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are loaded with vitamins and nutrients, including fiber, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Spinach, in particular, is a good source of iron and folate; mustard greens are also recommended for their folate content, which is particularly important for women of reproductive age.