Stress, oily foods, greasy foods, smoke, smog and air pollution give rise to free radicals in our body. These free radicals cause cell damage and bring about aging in us. Antioxidants capture these free radicals and protect our cells and blood vessels from the damage caused by them. Thus, antioxidants are great for our skin, heart, metabolism and are anti-aging. Carrots, Beetroots and Tomatoes are among the vegetables that have the highest amount of these antioxidants. Carrots are rich in vitamin A that helps build immunity and eyesight, while beetroots have blood pressure lowering properties and tomatoes are heart healthy and skin brightening!

The combination of carrots, beetroots and tomatoes helps in weight loss and curb constipation as well. The nutrients of these are best absorbed when taken in combination with each other. Though available throughout the year, they’re the best during winter! Here are some easy ways to make very low calories, yet satiating recipes with this wonderful combination. 

3 Healthy Recipes Using Carrots, Beetroots and Tomatoes

1. CBT Juice
Want to get rid of toxins? Employ Carrots, Beetroots and Tomatoes for a cleansing, detox drink that will flush out all those toxins! 

What you will need: 

• Carrot – 1 medium sized 
• Beetroot – 1 
• Tomato – 1 
• Mint – 5-6 leaves
• Coriander – 2-3 twigs 
• Rock salt and lemon juice – to taste 

Method:

1. Peel and roughly chop the carrot, beetroot and tomato
2. Blend them along with mint and coriander leaves in a blender/juicer
3. Add some water if required while blending to bring a juice like consistency.
4. Add lemon juice, rock salt and mix well

Important: Do not strain, or you’ll lose all the good fiber. Drink the juice within 15 minutes of preparation or else the juice gets oxidised and may lose most of its healthy goodness. The best time to have this is on an empty stomach in the morning – do not eat anything for the next half an hour. 

2. CBT Salad
Confused about what to eat for lunch? Want something that’s filling and low on calories? Let this CBT Salad be your go-to recipe! 

What you will need: 

• Carrot – ½ cup grated
• Beetroot – ½ cup 
• Tomato – ½ cup finely chopped            
• Onion – ¼ cup 
• Coriander leaves – 1 tablespoon chopped
• Mint leaves – 1 tablespoon 
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon 
• Sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon 
• Salt to taste 
• You can also add: Yoghurt, chopped walnuts, feta cheese

Method:

• Mix and toss all the chopped and grated vegetables
• Add lemon juice and salt.
• Garnish with chopped coriander and mint leaves
• You can pour a temper of curry leaves and mustard seeds over this salad
• Yoghurt can be mixed with this salad, to make a raita
• Add some finely chopped walnuts or sesame seeds for a nutty flavour and the good fats.
• Feta cheese will add some first class protein

Important: Wash all the vegetables properly. Squeeze the lemon just before consuming the salad. Salad should be consumed within 20-25 minutes of preparation to avoid the nutrients getting oxidised. Start lunch with this salad as it will curb post-meal glucose excursion. Aids weight loss, as it is filling and has less calories.

3. Soup
In the mood for soup? Here’s something we’re sure you haven’t tried before! 

• Tomatoes – 5 
• Carrots – 2 
• Beetroot – 1 
• Ginger garlic paste – 1 tablespoon 
• Cinnamon stick – 1 inch 
• Bay leaf – 1 
• Ghee – 1 tablespoon 
• Salt, cumin powder, chili flakes, fresh pepper, dry herbs (oregano, basil, parsley) to taste.

Method:

1. Pressure cook the carrots, beetroots and tomatoes with the cinnamon stick, bay leaf and enough water to soak for 2 whistles
2. Cool down the boiled vegetables. Discard the cinnamon stick, bay leaf and the skin from the tomatoes. Puree the rest in a blender
3. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a medium pot. Add the ginger garlic paste and be sure to not burn it
4. Carefully pour the puree in the pot
5. Add cumin powder, salt, chilli flakes and fresh ground pepper as per taste
6. Bring to a boil on medium high heat, stirring the mixture a few times
7. Sprinkle some dry herbs and serve hot! 

Important: The best time to have this soup is for a light dinner or a healthy evening snack. 

We hope you enjoy all the amazing benefits offered by this healthy combination of Carrots, Beetroots and Tomatoes! Do try out all the recipes and let us know in the comments below! For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

Eat healthy and #BeTheForce