There’s no question that eating a variety of vegetables is extremely good for you.
Broccoli and carrots are high in vitamin A which is good for your skin and eyes, whereas okra, potatoes and spinach pack in a lot of vitamin C which boosts your immune system and helps you keep a healthy heart.
But, what happens when you’re not crazy about eating these healthy kinds of foods? How do you make sure you get them into your diet without spending your mealtimes trying to force them down your throat the way a child does when faced with a plate of leafy greens?
1. Sauté them with a little bit of olive oil
If you find plain, raw veggies a little too boring for your taste, it’s time to give them a little more flavor and flair by throwing them into a frying pan with a little bit of olive oil (which is also good for your heart).
Slice or dice them up and add them to the heated oil for a minute or two just to give them a little bit of flavor. You can also cook up a few different veggies at a time so that you have a colorful boutique of edible wonder.
When you remove them from the pan, sprinkle a dash of sea salt or lemon pepper seasoning on them. They’ll have a mouthwatering taste that will keep you coming back for more.
2. Blanch them
Sometimes the taste of vegetables can be a bit strong. Broccoli is one of them, in that it is all you can taste for hours if you throw a floret or two into your mouth when it is raw. However, you can reduce their flavor punch if you blanch them.
Steam the veggie of your choice for 30-60 seconds and then put them in cold water. This will cut their overpowering flavor down and make them more palatable for you to eat.
3. Create a healthy dip
It’s not going to do you any good health wise if the only way you’ll eat your veggies is when they’re smothered in high fat and high calorie dips. That kind of defeats the purpose, right?
Well, that doesn’t mean that you have to go without a flavorful dip and eat your veggies in the raw. It just means that you may have to take a moment to create your own dip that won’t derail your healthy efforts.
Hummus is a great dip for veggies as it is healthy and comes in a variety of flavors that will suit most taste buds. You can also take non-fat Greek yogurt and mix in some Italian seasonings for a dip that will keep you coming back for more.
4. Add them to your main dish
No one says that the veggies that are good for your body have to be served as a side dish. In fact, some of the best main dishes have the vegetables included right in them.
After all, you may find it easier to eat your vegetables if they’re encased in foods that you actually like. Some examples of complete meals-in-one include Shepherd’s pie, casseroles and pot pies. Don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen and make creative (and tasty) dishes.
5. Juice them
If you just can’t seem to stomach the idea of eating your veggies, have you ever thought about drinking them?
With all of the juicing machines on the market today, it isn’t too hard to find one within your price range that will allow you to get your daily quota of fresh produce in without having to come up with new ways to serve them at every meal.
One of the great things about juicing is that you have endless possibilities of recipes to create the flavors that you prefer. You can also mix in some fruit to give your drink a little extra nutrient rich kick with a little bit of natural sweetness.
6. Try something new
If you don’t like carrots and celery now, chances are good that you won’t grow to like them. So, you’ll only make yourself completely miserable by trying to choke them down day in and day out in the name of health. However, your options extend way beyond just these two customary diet foods.
To keep yourself motivated and inspired to eat vitamin packed veggies, experiment with new ones that you’ve never tried. Spend some time in the fresh produce section of your supermarket and try to find vegetables that intrigue you that you’ve never had or prepared before.
For instance, have you ever had bok choy or beetroot? How about celeriac or daikon radish? Jicama, rapini or spirulina (seaweed)? No? Well, then think of all the body healthy eating options that you’re missing out on.
Make it a point to try something new with every grocery store visit. It’s time to expand your vegetable horizons!
7. Keep an open mind
If you walk into the idea of becoming a regular vegetable eater with hate and disdain, of course you aren’t going to enjoy yourself. You’ve already convinced your mind otherwise and make the whole process one that brings about bad feelings and negative emotions.
Instead of focusing on the fact that you’d rather be eating a piece of chocolate cake (or any other of your favorite desserts), give the vegetables a chance. Actually pay attention to their taste and texture. You may even find that you like one or two of them. I know. It may be hard to believe, but anything is possible.
Veggies aren’t the enemy. They will help you live a long and healthy life. Find ways to make them a regular part of your diet and you’ll notice the benefits soon enough.
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