WHY GREEN BEANS

Green beans are very nutritious and in the lead for being one of the best vegetables you can eat. They have no cholesterol and although they are very low in calories and carbs they are extremely big on all the other important vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

At about 43 calories per cup don't be afraid to fill up on them. Add them to your favorite recipes, use them alone and steamed for a side dish.

What I like most about them is they are also low on the glycemic scale, which means diabetics can enjoy them guilt free.

If you only enjoy the holiday green bean casserole you only eat twice a year, you are missing out on a lot.

Green beans can be enjoyed many ways, but if you're looking to take off some pounds, just steam them and add some "fake spray butter" to them for extra flavor.

Green beans are good for you in all forms, canned, fresh, and frozen. Just remember though, if you are watching your sodium intake leave out the canned variety and stick with fresh or frozen.

Pick them while they are green with no brown spots and make sure they snap when you bend them. Wash and store in the fridge in a plastic bag or container for about a week. Otherwise you'll want to blanch them for a couple of minutes in boiling water and store in the freezer to enjoy at a later date.

Make them a regular part of your meals, you won't be sorry!