"The colors of a fresh garden salad are so extraordinary, no painter's pallet can duplicate nature's artistry." -Dr. Sun Wolf
This is true...they are extraordinary not only in color, but in health value, so why do I have such a hard time implementing them in my diet. Every one of us have been taught from early childhood the importance of eating plenty of veggies every day. If you don't remember all of the reasons why, the Internet is brimming with articles touting why we need more,more, more. If this habit has not stuck with you, now is the time! Wherever you are at in your veggie consumption, try to increase by one serving.
Here are a few ideas for veggie based snacks and side dishes:
- keep prepared veggies in fridge ready to eat with a little dip
- make a salad
- v-8 juice with crackers
- steamed veggies with cheese
- celery with peanut or almond butter
- cucumber, tomato and avocado sandwich
- make a big pot of vegetable soup to freeze in individual size portions
- fried zucchini
- chips and guacamole
- spring rolls
- baked sweet potatoes
Any more ideas? Leave a comment.
1.
How funny! I just read an article on this subject this morning. Here are a few more suggestions it gave. I tried one this morning (cereal with frozen blackberries) and it was delicious!
ReplyDeleteAdd fruit to your cereal, oatmeal, waffles or pancakes at breakfast.
Create your own yogurt flavors with plain yogurt and different combinations of fresh fruit.
Snack on raw vegetables or fruits instead of chips or pretzels. Keep sugar snap peas, raisins or carrot sticks in your car, your office or your backpack.
Use chunky salsa instead of thick, creamy snack dips.
Add frozen veggies to any pasta dish. It's an easy way to get in another serving of the good stuff.
Keep fruits and vegetables in line of sight. Grapes, oranges, bananas, and apples make a colorful bowl arrangement on the table. If you see them, you will eat them.
Dried fruit is just as portable as potato chips -- and less messy. It tastes especially good when added to basic trail mix.
When cooking vegetables, makes 2-3 times more than you need and immdiately store the extra away for tomorrow. It'll save you time later on.
Add your own beans and vegetables (tomatoes, spinach, peppers, cabbage) to canned and quick-serve soups.
If you must have pizza, load on extra veggies and pineapple instead of fatty meats and extra cheese.
Try berries, melons or dates for a naturally sweet dessert rather than the usual candy bar, cookie, or ice cream sandwich.
Frozen fruit and veggies are nearly as healthy as the fresh stuff, and only take minutes to prepare.
Combine fruit with your main meal courses. Raisins, apples and tangerine slices add sweet, crunchy variety to a salad. Apples complement pork, pineapple is great with fish, and orange slices are perfect with chicken.
Great post Gina! Can't wait to add some more fruit and veggies to my diet as well as to my kids.
Wow! I am ready to validate some veggies! Fruit - not a problem, never has been. These veggie ideas are good though and not too overwhelming.
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