A diet rich in healthy fruits and vegetables is key to a long, healthy life. Vegetables provide many critical nutrients and minerals, as well as healthy dietary fiber, with very few calories. Even when we understand how healthy vegetables are, it can be difficult to eat the recommended eight ounces of vegetables each day. If you’re struggling to ensure that your family is eating the recommended servings of vegetables, FitClub has a few tips you can use today!
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Opt for fresh vegetables whenever possible. Not only do fresh vegetables generally taste better than frozen or canned vegetables, they are also higher in nutrients than those you might find in the frozen food or canned section of your grocery store. Although frozen and canned vegetables are still a healthy way to get your vegetable intake, certain nutrients may be compromised during the processing. To ensure that you achieve the most nutrition possible, grab fresh produce whenever possible, or start a vegetable garden in your own backyard!
Mix it up. As healthy as vegetables are, there is no one vegetable that can provide everything you need for optimal health. Instead, making a vegetable salad with multi-colored vegetables can ensure that your plate is as balanced as your healthy diet.
Sneak vegetables in whenever possible. Adding spinach to a fruit smoothie, for example, can be a sneaky way to add more vegetables to your diet or a child’s diet. The taste of the spinach can be hidden by flavorful fruit, but you can’t hide the extra boost of potassium, magnesium, and vitamins hidden in just a handful of spinach.
Prep veggies in advance of hunger. Like any other healthy snack, having vegetables readily available when hunger strikes can help eliminate the risk you’ll choose a less healthy snack. Taking the time to clean, chop, and store your vegetables in readily accessible places in the kitchen will help you begin to eliminate excuses. With only a few minutes of prep work, you can eliminate guessing from your next snack break and help you take an easy path to a healthier diet. Add peanut butter to celery or enjoy fresh carrots the next time you feel the urge to raid the refrigerator!
Get creative. Adding vegetables to pasta sauce, meat dishes, or omelets can help you dramatically increase the servings of vegetables you eat each day without a tremendous effort. Experimentation with your normal meals can help you explore how the flavor of vegetables only adds to your culinary enjoyment while you also begin to eat a healthier diet that can benefit you for many years. Spring and summer are the perfect time to begin challenging yourself with new and creative recipes that pack huge nutrients and great taste. If you do get creative with veggies in your recipes, be sure to share those ideas with FitClub!
What new and exciting ways have you discovered to consume more vegetables each day?
