How to Learn to Love Your Veggies
Most people know that vegetables are good for their health but may struggle to eat enough of them. The good news is that you don’t have to compromise the flavours you love in order to fit in more vegetables.
Here are some delicious and easy ways to incorporate veggies into your diet.
Bake Some Brownies
Most traditional brownie recipes don’t include vegetables. However, you can easily learn to love your veggies by incorporating them into desserts. Try recreating your favourite brownies with sweet potato or black beans the next time you bake. It may sound odd, but these nutritious swaps make a great base for rich desserts.
Mix Them into Your Meals
Bulk up your dishes and improve existing recipes with vegetables. Whether you want to wilt spinach into your chili or add mushrooms to your lasagne, vegetables are a great way to enhance any dish. Incorporating vegetables into your meals also improves the nutritional value. Did you know that vitamin C increases iron absorption? Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C and make a great addition to any barbeque. Prepare vegetable skewers alongside your proteins or toss bell pepper straight onto the grill for your next summer barbeque and get more nutrition—and flavour—out of your meals!
Add Some Spices
One of the main reasons people dislike veggies is that they think they are bland. If you’re trying to eat more vegetables, it can be difficult to eat a plate of plain carrots or raw kale. Instead, try adding some of your favorite spices. Maybe you love a bit of paprika, or some chili powder to make them extra hot. Even a sprinkle of salt and pepper will transform your veggies and make them taste better. You could even try a combination of multiple spices if you’re feeling experimental!
Roast Your Vegetables
If you’re not keen on steamed or boiled vegetables, try roasting them. When you roast your veggies, they take on a deeper flavour and retain more nutrients than boiled alternatives. Don’t forget to include a fat source like avocado oil, coconut oil, or butter. Not only will this improve the flavour, but many nutrients are fat-soluble, meaning boiled vegetables alone actually aren’t healthier. Grab a roasting tray and roughly chop an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. You can even blend your roasted vegetables with stock and garnish the dish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs for a simple soup. Or, serve as-is with your favorite seasonings or dips and enjoy a plate full of delicious, crispy veggies in no time.
Try New Cuisines
Many cuisines incorporate vegetables into their dishes and offer unique flavour profiles. Exploring new cuisines might inspire you to rethink your stance on vegetables and experiment with different cooking methods. You’ll learn about different cultures in the process and may even discover that some of your go-to takeout dishes already feature plenty of vegetables you hadn’t thought of using!
Bulk Up Your Smoothies
Although adding veggies to your smoothies may not sound very appetizing, it’s a great way to get your nutrients without straying from the sweet tastes you love. Frozen cauliflower, for example, makes any smoothie thick and satisfying without altering the taste. A handful of greens or avocado are also great additions.
Try Them in Combination
Sometimes, certain vegetables taste better when they’re eaten together. Try out different combinations of veggies to see what you like. You might find that you start to enjoy eating the veggies you used to hate when you combine them with ones that you love—wilt greens into pasta sauce or test out a new stir-fry recipe. You can add pretty much anything to the pan and give brand-new combinations a go.
Challenge Yourself
Did you have one bad experience with a particular vegetable, and are now convinced you dislike it? Or maybe you’re just stuck and finding it hard to be creative when it comes to your meals.
If any of this sounds like you, try challenging yourself. If you’re a picky eater, challenge yourself to eat one portion of veggies every day. Add an extra handful of vegetables to your lunches or dinners. Start with the basics. Already a fan of chips? Try roasting potatoes. Or maybe corn chips are your preferred go-to—make your own salsa and fresh guacamole. Swap out pita for baby carrots next time you feel like a quick hummus snack, or try baba ghanoush, an eggplant-based dip, instead. There are plenty of ways to begin incorporating more vegetables into your snacks and meals—you may find you love veggies after all.