6 Tips for “Easily” Adding More Veggies to Your Day

Are you struggling to get your recommended daily serving of vegetables?

If so, you’re not alone. I constantly get this inquiry from clients who aren’t used to making veggies a regular part of their diet. Here are some suggestions to help you try to fit them in to your day a little more easily!

We need vegetables in our diet because they are important sources of many essential vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Further, there is compelling evidence that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Plus, most vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. So dig in!

Snack on them -- veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, peppers, radishes, cherry tomatoes...whatever you like! Pair them with mashed avocado, hummus, or your favorite veggie dip.

Drink them -- consider a smoothie that includes veggies, including spinach/kale/other greens, apples, carrots, bananas, peanut butter, almond milk...you could even add in your protein powder.

Buy frozen -- we stock-pile frozen veggies. They are super convenient these days because you can just pop the bag in the microwave for about 4 minutes and it steams them right there in the bag. I think they taste great...and there are TONS of flavors, variety, options to choose from. And since they're frozen, you don't have to worry about them going bad.

Roast them -- we'll do a big batch of roasted veggies on Saturday or Sunday, and then it will last us several days. Usually I'll throw in broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, squash/zucchini, new potatoes, Brussel sprouts...or whatever I'm in the mood for. (Frozen veggies can be roasted too!)

Soups -- go for a soup with loaded veggies now that it’s getting cold! And if you're eating this at home, consider adding 1/2 cup of cauliflower rice :)

And of course, Salads – you knew this was coming, didn’t you? I try to eat a salad nearly every day, but I know that’s too much to ask for some people. I load up on dark leafy greens, an assortment of colorful veggies including cabbage, cucumbers, peppers, celery, avocado and whatever else I have on hand. Then I’ll top it off with hardboiled egg and some protein (such as grilled chicken or salmon) and lightly drizzle oil/vinegar or a Greek yogurt-based dressing.

Let me know what works for you!!