We often know what we should be
doing, but need a little help actually doing it. My clients KNOW that
increasing veg in their life is a good idea, but they don’t always know where to
start. Maybe this is you too! Below are 10 ideas for including more nutrient-dense vegetables into your lives!
1. Start With Veggies You Already Like
I’m all about not
overcomplicating things! The best place to start is always with what already
works! What veggies do you already enjoy? Cucumbers and carrots count! What are
some ways to prepare veggie dishes that you already know and love? (Ok, if not
love…then at least tolerate!)
2. Roast those Veggies
I think that roasting is one of
the most approachable ways to prepare veggies, because you can’t really screw
it up! The roasting process brings a “sweet” taste to veggies; so don’t be
afraid to roast until they are brown and caramelized! Probably my favorite
veggie to roast is cauliflower! But I like also doing a pan of bell peppers,
onions, zucchini and mushrooms!
3. Dip it
Treat yourself like a toddler –
maybe you need a “dip” to eat raw veg – make one or go get one! Or try out hummus!
Keep chopped veggies ready to go in the fridge so that when you’re hungry and
temped to snack on less desirable choices, your veggies and “ranch” are ready
to go!
4. Buy pre-cut
Well all need short cuts
sometimes! If that helps you eat more veg, then go for it! Or, even better - spend
a couple of minutes cutting up some veggies for the upcoming few days while
watching your favorite show on Netflix.
5. Make your Salads Exciting
Don’t eat boring salads! Have fun
incorporating different dark leafy greens into your life. I enjoy buying local
mixes and usually always add some arugula (my fave). Add texture and flavor by
incorporating things like cheeses, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and good sources
of protein to help you stay full for longer. Make your own salad dressing –
it’s super easy!
6. "Sneak" Them In
There are so many recipes you can
add shredded veggies into without anyone being the wiser ;) Veggies like
carrots and zucchini are super easy to add to sauces, burgers, meatballs and
the like!
7. Make more soups and stews
When you start with a really
yummy sauce, it’s easy to sneak in veggies! You could either puree them or dice
them up small. It’s amazing just how many veggies you can pack into a soup or
stew! Veggies like celery, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, and riced cauliflower
are a great place to start!
8. “Spinach it up”
Spinach really doesn’t taste like
much, so it’s a fantastic veg to add to almost everything as well! It may
turn some things green, but the taste isn’t really affected. I like adding
spinach into my family’s pita pizzas, frittatas, and in my smoothies!
9. Experiment
Make trying new veggies a fun
event! You could try adding a new veg each week or try preparing a veggie you
already love a different way!
10. Ask Friends
Ask your friends about what
veggies THEY and their family enjoy as well as what way they prefer that veggie
prepared! If all else fails, check out Pinterest!
There is no shortage of
inspiration for eating healthy, especially at this time of year, so take
advantage and expand your “veggie repertoire”! Who knows? You might just find a
new veggie that you love!
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