Rich in vital nutrients, vegetables are plant powerhouses full of health-promoting properties. It’s no wonder we’re encouraged to eat more vegetables. But what if you’re not a fan? Or perhaps you have a family of picky eaters who consider French fries their veggie of choice. Here are some simple ways to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
#1. Hide them.
It’s a snap to be sneaky when it comes to adding more veggies to your diet. Seeking to eat more greens? Add some kale or spinach to a berry smoothie. You’ll likely taste more of the berries versus the greens. You can also add shaved zucchini or carrots to casseroles. Sweet tooth? Avocado or sweet potatoes can be added to a healthy muffin recipe. Like marinara sauce? Consider adding onions, green peppers or carrots.
#2. Rebrand.
A plate of naked green beans is unlikely to get many takers. But what if those were called “sweet and spicy green beans”? Carrot sticks–boring. Instead, how about “citrus and honey-glazed carrots”? By describing vegetables using deliciously descriptive language, eating vegetables is something you and your family may actually look forward to.
#3. Snack smarter.
It’s easy to pack on the pounds by mindlessly munching on chips and other nutritionally vacant snacks. Instead, consider baby carrots or cherry tomatoes and hummus, or baked kale or Brussels sprout chips.
#4. Choose convenience.
If you’re like most busy people, you don’t want to spend lots of time in the kitchen chopping or dicing vegetables. Instead, select pre-chopped vegetables at the supermarket or zoodles (zucchini noodles) which are a fantastic and nutritious alternative to pasta.
#5. Make soup the star.
One of the easiest ways to incorporate more vegetables into your diet is with veggie soup. Short on time? Use mixed frozen vegetables or canned beans. Like spice? Add some cayenne, jalapeños, or paprika to the pot. Another benefit of vegetable soup is its high in nutrients, but low in calories. You’ll also feel full due to the [fiber] content, so eating more vegetable soup may help you love your scale.