As much as we all know we should be eating more vegetables, sometimes it can be tough to make them a regular part of our diets. But fear not! There are plenty of easy ways to sneak more veggies into your meals without feeling like you’re forcing yourself to eat something you don’t enjoy. Here are six simple tricks to try:
1. Blend them up: If you’re not a fan of the taste or texture of certain vegetables, try blending them into a smoothie or soup. Kale, spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes are all great options that can be easily hidden in a fruity smoothie or a creamy soup.
2. Swap out carbs: Instead of reaching for rice or pasta, try using spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato noodles. You’ll get all the satisfaction of a pasta dish without the added carbs, plus a healthy dose of veggies.
3. Add them to sauces: Whether it’s spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or even stir-fry sauce, adding finely chopped vegetables like onions, peppers, or mushrooms can add a ton of flavor and nutrition to your meals.
4. Make veggie-based snacks: Carrots and celery sticks are a classic, but there are plenty of other ways to turn vegetables into snackable bites. Roasted chickpeas, kale chips, and baked sweet potato fries are all tasty options that will help you get more veggies into your diet.
5. Load up on toppings: Whether you’re making a salad, a sandwich, or a bowl, adding plenty of veggie toppings can make a big difference in both taste and nutrition. Try adding sliced avocado, roasted beets, or grilled veggies like zucchini or eggplant.
6. Embrace the power of seasoning: Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of seasoning to make vegetables taste amazing. Try roasting them with garlic and herbs, tossing them in a spicy sauce, or adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to make them more appealing.
Remember, the key is to find ways to incorporate vegetables into your meals that you actually enjoy. With a little bit of creativity, there are plenty of options out there to help you get your daily dose of veggies without feeling like you’re sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
