Did you know that 90% of Americans don’t eat enough vegetables? When you consider the delicious variety available and nutritional value, it’s hard to believe what we’re missing out on! The problem isn’t the veggies, it’s that many people don’t know how to incorporate them into their daily meal.
After all, leafy green vegetables aren’t going to be exciting when they’re eaten plain, raw, and unseasoned. It’s time to change the way you view vegetables. We’re going to show you the different ways you can eat more greens and enjoy every minute of it!
Let’s get started.
1. Bake Into Chips
If you’re looking for a way to satisfy your need for a crunchy snack, what better way to do it than to make some veggie chips? Not only can you season them with all of your favorite spices but you still get all the nutritional benefits without all those processed ingredients found in regular potato chips.
Kale chips are an excellent choice but you’re not limited to that: sweet potatoes, zucchini, taro, beets, summer squash, and so forth, can be used to create this perfect little snack. Not only is it a great way to incorporate veggies but it’s quick and easy to make as well. All you need to do is slice the veggies or wash your leafy greens, season them and throw them in the oven!
2. Wrap Them Up
Some of the best leafy green vegetables can replace your usual carbohydrate for things like burritos or wraps. Instead of reaching for a tortilla, grab some lettuce, romaine, or cabbage and fill it up with your favorite ingredients. You’ll be reducing the calories you consume while adding a fresh element to your usual lunch.
This doesn’t mean you need to fear carbs as you can still use your traditional wraps if you want—just be sure to really stock up on greens! Try to find tortilla wraps made of spinach or whole wheat so you’re not just consuming empty calories. If you’re interested in knowing more about healthy choices, programs like ChiroThin can help you get started on your weight loss journey.
3. All The Sauces
All the types of leafy greens can make for some tasty sauces. That’s right, you’ll find that eating more veggies isn’t limited to keeping them in their natural state. You can blend, whisk, and puree to your heart’s desire.
There are a variety of sauces that you can make using big leafy greens like kale, spinach, and chard. You’re not only limited to that either, feel free to use the green odds and ends of carrots, radish tops, and beet greens as well. Blend with the right seasoning and add them to everything to bring your food to another level.
4. Put Them in a Smoothie
Don’t be afraid of the strange-looking green smoothies and juices, not only are they tasty, but they can be easily made at home for a quick nutritious snack. Smoothies are wonderful because not only can you get your daily serving of vegetables but you’ll get a decent serving of fruits as well!
The usual leafy greens that we’ve mentioned earlier are a great choice to throw into your smoothie. Spinach, kale, swiss chard, beet greens, collard greens – try out everything and see what you like! Here’s a tip: freeze some bananas and add them to your smoothie, it’ll add a creaminess that is sure to get you hooked.
5. Stir Them in a Stir Fry
If you want a simple way to incorporate green vegetables, find recipes that are improved when you add veggies. Stir-fries are a delicious option to get all of your food groups in one place, and it’s simple to make! You can also use the odds and ends from other vegetables, and they’ll only enhance your dish as opposed to turning you away from it.
Between the vegetables, protein, and complex carbohydrates – this is a hearty meal that you’ll want to make over and over again.
6. Make Vegetable Soup
Sometimes, it helps to go back to the basics. There’s really nothing like a hot bowl of soup, is there? One of the ultimate comfort foods, you don’t even need to be sick to enjoy it!
If you want to know how to eat more vegetables, making a big bowl of vegetable soup is one way. You don’t need to stick to a plain, tasteless version either – there’s a ton of variety for you to try. You can make a blended sweet potato soup or a spicy vegetable soup, it’s time to get creative.
7. Sneak Them Into Tacos
For your next Taco Tuesday, try to limit the number of unhealthy toppings and switch them out for vegetables or healthy sauces! Try using marinated mushrooms instead of red meat, add tons of lettuce and cilantro or homemade tomato sauce. There are so many ways to incorporate vegetables into tacos, you might never go back to the way you made them before.
8. Add Them to a Pizza
If you’re in the mood for something truly indulgent, we don’t blame you. It’s not healthy to obsess over eating exclusively nutritious food, you need to have your cheat meals here and there. We’re the first to tell you that pizza is not an easy thing to get rid of, but it’s super easy to make more nutritious.
Next time you make (or buy) a pizza, add some arugula on top for an extra dose of vitamins. You’ll add a healthy, crunchy element to an already delicious meal.
Eat More Leafy Green Vegetables
There’s no doubt that eating your vegetables can be complicated. After all, it’s been a battle since we were all kids. However, it’s easier now more than ever to incorporate leafy green vegetables into your diet.
All you have to do is have an open mind, the right seasonings, and a variety of delicious veggies to start your new food journey.