celery

Poor celery . . . unlike other veggies, this crispy, crunchy veggie often gets categorized as diet fare and dismissed as being dull. But, before you nod your head in agreement, think again. Celery is actually a satisfying vegetable, and it's loaded with fiber and other health benefits like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. Let's not forget that one large stalk contains just 10 calories, offering extreme crunch for practically nothing! If you still aren't convinced to eat this veggie plain, we have several options where celery's boring connotations can forever be forgotten!

• Enjoy with dips: It's hard to resist the crunchy combination of chips and dip. A snack that can easily add up in calories, it can offer similar satisfaction if you substitute celery for chips. Celery tastes great dipped into homemade dips, salsa, or hummus. For a punch of protein, don't forget about the classic peanut butter treat ants on a log!
• Crunch factor: Salad toppings are often where diets go awry. If you like a salad rich in toppings but not in fat, then substitute nuts or fried toppings with chopped celery. The classic Waldorf salad and this Parmesan salad showcase celery as anything but bland. Add celery in tacos and sandwiches for an added crunch without the added calories.
• Sweet sip: You probably don't think to sip your stalk, but celery adds fiber and nutrition to your morning juice or smoothie. Along with other veggies, the glowing green smoothie uses four stalks of celery for a detox drink or post-workout fuel. For a less serious sip, celery and healthy Bloody Marys go hand in hand.
• Dinner dish: Often considered a snack, celery can be added to your favorite dish for more fiber and crunch at dinnertime. Because of its neutral taste, celery is often great in hearty dishes, like a stir-fry or a stew, and lighter plates like a tuna sandwich or salad.

Out of all the veggies and fruits in my fridge, I feel like celery is the underdog. It often goes unnoticed and pales in comparison to a bright red bell pepper or a crisp cucumber. But hold up! Celery is finally back in season, usually inexpensive, and makes for a healthy, light snack. Even if you ate a long stalk of celery, you'd only be consuming six calories.

Not only is celery low in calories, but it's also low in cholesterol as well. And who would have thought that celery is an excellent source of vitamin C? So the next time you feel a cold coming on, pull out the celery stalks! Its one downside is that when compared to other veggies, it's high in sodium; a medium stalk contains 32 mg of sodium.

If you want to incorporate more celery into your life, but don't know where to start, here's what I do: swap out chips and crackers for celery when eating spreads, toppings, and dips. Some of my favorite ways to eat the veggie are with almond or flax butter, low-fat cream cheese spread, spicy red pepper hummus dip, or onion dip. What celery lacks in flavor, it certainly makes up for in texture and its crunch-factor!

If you liked the spinach packed smoothie that was fit for Popeye, I've got another one that will have you dreaming of fields of blueberries. A vegetable disguised in a haven of fruit, this celery infused drink will add some extra bang to your morning routine. Pulled from Victoria Boutenko's book Green for Life ($19), the powerful antioxidant breakfast in a glass packs potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K, manganese, and fiber. How's that for a start to your busy day?

Ready to see the yummy and super easy recipe?

How many times have you been at a soirée and picked at sticks of celery and carrots, occasionally dipping them into a bowl of ranch dressing? A typical party hors d'oeuvre, the veggie sticks are often the healthiest option at a buffet table.
While you can't go wrong with either of them, there are distinct differences between the two, which may have you trying to balance out your consumption.

Want to find out what they are?