Going Green: 3 Tips On How To Incorporate More Veggies Into Your Diet

Good morning readers!  Within the last couple months, I've seen several posts or slogans stating in one way or another, "EAT MORE PLANTS."  I've heard more than one fitness instructor talk about the importance of eating lots of veggies regularly, and although I know they're super good for you, it's not always easy to get your daily serving. 

As you may already know, vegetables were not something I grew up eating or enjoying, so incorporating more veggies in my diet has been challenging to say the least.  Sure I enjoy a salad, but I know for a fact that I won't eat a salad every day at every meal for the rest of my life in order to get my veggies in.  I also know I'm not a huge fan of steamed veggies (taste and texture freak me out), so being consistent with that probably won't happen either.  So here are three tips on how to incorporate more veggies in your diet:

1.  Green Smoothies.  I talked about these little miracle drinks in my first post, but I'm going to reiterate how amazing they are and why this is such a simple way to get a couple servings of greens first thing in the morning.  First and foremost, if you're not a huge fan of flavor when it comes to super healthy greens, this is the way to go.  For example, I absolutely detest broccoli, so much so that I actually refer to them as "fart trees" (super mature of me, right?).  Yes I know it's a super food, but I can't stand the way it smells, I can't stand the way it tastes, and I can't stand the texture of the seedy weird tops.  I've even tried it in less-healthy ways like covered in processed cheese sauce or slathered in ranch dressing and I just can't do it.  However, the other day while I was whipping up green smoothies for my wife and I, I decided to get brave and throw a cup of broccoli in the blender, along with 2 cups of spinach, 2 bananas, a cup of strawberries, 1 tbsp. all natural peanut butter, and about a cup of almond milk (this recipe is for 2 smoothies).  To my surprise and joy, I couldn't taste the broccoli at all!!  It was delicious and gave us both tons of energy through the whole morning.  So do yourselves a favor and try a green smoothie ASAP.  Use 75% fruit and 25% veggies to get yourself started if you're a little leery of the flavor.  If the color bothers you, use a cup or tumbler that is a solid color so that you can't see that lovely baby-puke hue while having breakfast.

2.  Grill it!  Summer is right around the corner, which means so is BBQ season!!  I love the social aspect of having friends and family over in the backyard with the grill fired up and this is also a great way to sneak in more veggies.  I like to use asparagus, various types of squash, red/green/yellow/orange peppers, onion, tomatoes, and jalapeno on the grill.  I usually place the veggies in foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic salt (and fresh garlic cloves because I LOVE garlic) and pepper, wrap them up, and put them on the grill.  Once they're mostly cooked, I put them directly on the grill to get them crispy (in fact I like mine slightly burnt so I usually leave my share of the veggies on a bit longer than the rest) and serve with the rest of your meal.  Super flavorful, super healthy, and a great way to add a healthy side dish to your next cook out!

3.  Veggie purees.  This is a new one for me and I'm anxious to try more of it, particularly with my bonus son (I like that term much better than step-son).  The idea is that you puree your veggies into a liquid that you can hide in other food such as pancakes, waffles, breads, etc.  I've heard of a mom using beet puree in her pancake batter and simply calling them "pink pancakes."  Her kids have no idea that there are beets in the batter and eat them up!  I have an idea on how to make "Spongebob pancakes" for my family using blueberries and leafy greens, so I'll keep you posted on that one.  You can also puree lots of veggies and put it in your usual marinara or pasta sauces for spaghetti, lasagna, and even pizza.  Chances are, even your pickiest kid won't know they're there! 

Please read, comment, discuss, and share any ideas on how to get you and your family eating more plants!  As always, thanks for reading! 

<3 Ida