How much vegetables have you been getting in your diet lately? If you are like most people, the answer is likely “probably not enough.”
But don’t start blaming yourself just yet. We know that many people have the perception vegetables are not very tasty. Still, it doesn’t mean that you should avoid eating vegetables like the plague, given their high nutritional content.
All vegetables contain minerals and fiber, including some with exceptional health benefits that cause them to stand out. Some people benefit more from specific vegetables than others, contingent upon their dietary needs.
Vegetables also tend to be cheaper than meat, making them a budget-friendly alternative when you need to tighten the purse strings.
That said, here are some delicious vegetables that you can add to your meals.
Types of Vegetables to Consume
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can help with eyesight, heart health, and disease prevention.
Some mushrooms can almost taste like meat, thus making them a good meat substitute. Mushrooms is also one of those vegetables with the umami taste that many people enjoy.
Kale
Kale contains fiber, vitamins C and K, antioxidants, calcium, iron, and a wide range of different nutrients that can help boost your health.
Read up more on kale’s benefits here.
Carrots
Carrots are loaded with vitamin A, which can assist with your vision. They are one of the many vegetables that can be eaten raw (make sure to wash them properly beforehand).
Broccoli
Broccoli is healthy because it is low in calories but rich in micronutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K.
They can be easily boiled, steamed, or sauteed, depending on your preference.
Spinach
This green, leafy vegetable is packed with Vitamin A, which can help boost your immune system while also containing a good amount of antioxidants.
And best of all? Even Popeye the Sailor agrees!
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of beta carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A. You can fry, saute, grill, and even bake them.
They are also simply delicious!
Asparagus
Regardless of whether you prefer asparagus simmered or sauteed, snatch a pack whenever you are at the supermarket. The stalks contain just a few calories but loads of fiber and micronutrients such as folate, vitamins A, C, and K.
Three Ways to Enjoy Your Vegetables
1. In Your Smoothies
Perhaps the easiest way is to add them to smoothies. You may feel that adding a bunch of spinach or kale to a smoothie is gross, but do you know that you will not be able to taste them? This is especially true when you blend them with your beverage of choice, some chia or flax seeds, or even some protein powder.
Another creative method to eat more vegetables is to chop them up and toss them into your desserts! Doing so will allow you to satiate your sweet tooth while fulfilling your required daily vegetables intake.
2. Add the Spices
A little butter/margarine and salt can make vegetables taste so good that even non-veggie eaters will enjoy them!
Be adventurous by experimenting with other spices/seasonings to liven up your vegetables dishes, and you will never look at greens the same way again!
3. Cook Vegetables Differently
There are many ways to enjoy your greens aside from boiling. Try different methods like stir-frying, roasting, sauteing, or even baking.
You might just end up liking it.
Five More Ways To Increase Your Vegetable Intake
- Add to soups.
- Add them into your breakfast omelette.
- Make a veggie wrap.
- Mix fruits and vegetables into a smoothie.
- Incorporate salads into your meals.
