Tina Ruggiero, author of The Truly Healthy Family Cookbook, suggests 10 interesting items that will keep you in tip-top shape. Here's a scouting report on five of Tina's favorites, as reported in Time.
Hubbard Squash - rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C, this squash may appear ugly but it is beautiful for health. In addition, it has potassium and fiber. For a great meal, roast it and it can be put in stew. It is referred to as a green pumpkin and its creamy consistency makes it a good addition to any meal.
Pomelo - Low in calories and high in fiber, this fruit looks like a greenish grapefruit. But it doesn't appear to have any of the bitterness so frequently encountered the diet staple. These citrus fruits are able to be peeled, and they're an excellent source of potassium and antioxidants. Now is the time to buy the pomelo, which is available from November through March.
Purslane - A popular ingredient in Greek and Mexican dishes, this weed-like plant is healthy for its vitamins C and E, its omega-three fatty acids and its fiber content. It's great to add to sandwiches or sauces and salads. It can be planted so you can grow your own and it requires only sun, a little water and some tenderness.
Fenugreek - This herb has medicinal properties attributable to its potassium and calcium, fiber and choline. Its seeds are also rich in iron. The leaves have been a popular ingredient in salads. While there isn't a lot of medical evidence to back it up, supporters like fenugreek for its ability to help in aiding digestive problems like gastritis and is believed to prevent atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
Celeriac - It's a chunky root and while it has a similar name to the long, slender green salad staple, it bears no resemblance to celery. It does taste a bit like celery and the extra benefits is it has vitamin B6, C and K and magnesium and potassium. Celeriac can be peeled and used in salads or cooked and mashed. And they're relatively cheap.
Martha Stewart considers celeriac to be one of the most versatile root vegetables and says it can be prepared in a variety of ways. Celeriac can be braised, steamed, eaten raw or roasted.
