10 Ideas for Adding More Veggies to Meals
10 Ideas for Adding More Veggies to Meals
One of the most common health goals is to eat more vegetables, the nutrition powerhouses of the plant world. If you’re eating more vegetables, you’re taking in more vitamins, minerals and fiber, which all contribute to improving overall health. Also, vegetables provide an array of textures, flavors and colors to your plate. Embrace adding more veggies to meals with these ideas.
Choose the vegetables that appeal to you the most. Most people do not like all vegetables equally. It’s okay to choose your favorites most often.
Eat vegetables that are not your favorites too. Taste isn’t the only reason we should eat vegetables. Choose a vegetable because it’s seasonal, on sale, in a new recipe or just because you know it’s nutritious.
Keep veggies on hand. Stock your freezer with bags of broccoli, peas, cauliflower and green beans. Keep onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes and garlic in a cool, dark place in your kitchen.
Buy snackable veggies. Snackable veggies such as baby carrots, mini cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and green beans are ready-to-eat with minimal effort. You can also wash and cut veggies in advance and store them in mesh bags in the refrigerator.
Plan veggies first. We typically plan a meal by picking the protein first. Give your meal’s vegetable component a starring role instead.
Make a side veggie exciting. If vegetables aren’t in the main dish, serve a side veggie with a new texture like Zoodles with Basil, Feta and Tomatoes or Ginger Lime Carrot Noodles.
Get inspired by resources that highlight vegetarian and vegan dishes. Our favorite cookbook, Sylvia’s Table, features numerous vegetable-forward recipes such as Asian-Style Kale, Katchkie Farm Spinach and Strawberry Salad and Traditional Gazpacho.
Start meals by preparing a sofrito. A sofrito is an aromatic mix of vegetables and herbs. The recipe depends on the cuisine but usually includes garlic, onion, peppers, tomatoes, celery and/or cilantro. A sofrito is an excellent base for soups, leafy greens, bean dishes or whole grain dishes.
Prepare veggie-friendly dishes. Add leafy greens to soups and smoothies. Blend veggies into tomato-based sauces. Make a chunky vegetable pasta.
Eat vegetables for breakfast. If you enjoy a savory breakfast, try our Egg Muffin Cups and Savory Oatmeal with Spinach.
