Are you looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet? Vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants that support overall health and help to prevent diseases. However, finding creative and delicious ways to add vegetables to your meals can be a challenge. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will share seven easy tips to for adding more vegetables to your diet and make healthy eating a breeze.
- MAKE VEGGIE-BASED SOUPS
One of the simplest ways to add more vegetables to your diet is by making veggie-based soups. Soups are not only comforting and delicious but also allow you to incorporate multiple servings of vegetables in one dish. You can make a pureed soup by blending vegetables like broccoli or spinach with spices and broth. Alternatively, you can add chopped vegetables like broccoli to broth-based or cream-based soups. This is a great way to increase your fiber, vitamin, and mineral intake.
- TRY GRILLED VEGGIES
Grilling can be a great way to switch up the flavor when it comes to eating vegetables. You can pair them with a grilled cut of meat or fish, or eat them alone for a meatless meal. You can grill veggies like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, potatoes, onions and corn. You can even marinate the veggies ahead of time for even more flavor!
- EXPERIMENT WITH VEGGIE NOODLES
Veggie noodles are a fun and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. You can make veggie noodles by spiralizing vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes. You can also use thinly-sliced zucchini in meals like lasagna! The noodles can then be used as a base for various dishes, just like regular pasta. You can enjoy them with your favorite sauces, vegetables, or proteins. Veggie noodles are a great way to increase your vegetable intake while reducing your carbohydrate consumption.
- ADD VEGGIES TO SAUCES
Sauces and dressings are a great place to sneak in some extra vegetables. By adding chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, bell peppers, or leafy greens to your sauces, you can increase their nutritional value without sacrificing flavor. Pureeing roasted root vegetables can also create rich and creamy sauces. For example, you can make a vibrant and nutritious pesto by blending roasted beets with traditional pesto ingredients.
- TRY A CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST
If you’re a pizza lover but want a healthier alternative to traditional crust, try making a cauliflower pizza crust. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into a low-carb pizza crust. Simply combine finely chopped and drained cauliflower with eggs, almond flour, and seasonings. This cauliflower crust is not only delicious but also packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- BLEND VEGGIES INTO SMOOTHIES
Smoothies are a refreshing and convenient way to pack in a lot of nutrients, including vegetables. While most smoothies are fruit-based, you can add vegetables without compromising the flavor. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are common smoothie additions. You can also blend in frozen vegetables like pumpkin, beets, avocado, or sweet potatoes. These additions will boost the nutritional value of your smoothie without sacrificing taste.
- ADD VEGGIES TO CASSEROLES
Casseroles are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. By adding extra veggies to your casseroles, you can increase their nutritional value and add extra flavor and texture. Instead of relying solely on grains like rice or pasta, replace them with vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, celery, or carrots. For example, you can make a healthier green bean casserole by including more fresh green beans.
CONCLUSION
Incorporating more vegetables into your diet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these seven easy tips, you can boost your vegetable intake and enjoy delicious and nutritious meals. From veggie-based soups and zucchini lasagna to veggie noodles and smoothies, there are plenty of creative ways to make vegetables a central part of your meals. If you would like to incorporate more veggies in your diet and don’t have the time to do the research or prepare meals, a meal service like Chefs for Seniors can help prepare veggie-packed meals for you! Remember, a varied and balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables is key to maintaining good health. So, don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen and start adding more veggies to your plate today!
