I have a confession to make. I don’t love vegetables. How about you? Do you find it difficult to eat enough leafy greens? Here are some tips on how to eat more greens even if you don’t like them!
We all know we should be eating more greens. We’ve heard it a million times, but do you know why? Here are some benefits to help convince you to try harder with those darn vegetables.
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Health Benefits Of Eating Green Foods
There are numerous benefits to eating leafy greens, and vegetables, in general. That’s why it’s so important to find creative ways to sneak them in. Here’s why you should be paying more attention to this important food group:
- Greens provide necessary minerals that support the body, including essential B vitamins.
- They are high in chlorophyll, which is important for detoxification. Anything green contains chlorophyll, but the darker the vegetable, the more chlorophyll it will contain.
- Greens are rich in antioxidants that fight free radical damage and toxicity.
- They provide the body with omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for many functions.
- Veges are low in calories yet filling. You can’t say this about many foods.
- Leafy greens are high in fiber. Most of us aren’t getting nearly the fiber our bodies require.
- Foods that grow in the ground are high in potassium, which is an essential nutrient needed for insulin to function properly.
- They aid digestion. Vegetables are full of enzymes that are crucial for healthy digestion.
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Eat More Leafy Greens
We all get stuck in our routines. Next time you’re buying food, branch out a bit, and toss some veges in your cart you haven’t tried before. Did you know there are dozens of kinds of lettuce, and the nutritional profile of each is different.
I bet you haven’t tried more than a couple. Loose-leaf, butterhead, crisphead, and asparagus lettuce are all good alternatives to the romaine and iceburg varieties. By the way, ditch the iceburg. It’s mainly just water, and doesn’t have much nutritional value.
Dark leafy greens include: collard greens, dandelion, spinach, endive, chicory, Swiss chard, arugula, mustard greens, dandelion, turnip greens, cabbage, and, of course, romaine lettuce. Use the bitter greens, sparingly at first, so your taste buds can catch up. They take a bit of getting used to.
How To Eat More Greens
Here are some creative ways to eat more greens and love it!
1. Eat more guacamole. Add it to crackers, smoothies, or eggs. You might not even notice its there as avocados don’t have much taste. They do have a creamy texture though. This superfood is full of minerals, fiber and essential vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.
2. Add your favorite veges to stir fries. They’ll add a delicious crunch, and the satiating fiber will keep you full until your next meal. Onions, garlic, cucumbers, carrots, and celery are all great options.
3. Eat one big salad a day. This is one of the best and easiest ways to eat more leafy greens.
4. Wilt your greens. When you do this, a large amount of greens are turned into a normal serving size. Gently heat a little oil in a frying pan, add your greens and some seasonings, and you won’t believe how good they taste.
5. Add a couple servings of spinach or kale to your omelets, and while you’re at it, toss in any left-over veges you have. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge.
6. Make cucumber sandwiches. Ditch the bread and opt for meat, cheese, and veges a top some cucumber slices. They are also delicious with hummus on top.
7. Don’t forget about frozen vegetables. They’re easy to use and cost effective. Use in soups, stews, and stir fries.
8. Dip your veggies. Have you ever noticed how you can get kids to eat raw veges if they can dip them? The same applies to adults. Raw broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, zucchini, cucumber, and peas are all delicious paired with a yummy dip.
9. Stuff your peppers. I love green, red, or yellow peppers filled with spicy hamburger, onions, and garlic.
10. Have a nourishing smoothie every morning with a big handful of kale. I make a smoothie using coconut milk, my favorite meal-replacement, and a few kale leaves. It keeps me full until lunch, and I know I’m doing something great for my body.
11. Make vegetable thickies. Thickies are vegetables blended in coconut or nut milk with a little fruit. This is a great way to boost your nutrition, and your fiber intake.
12. Juice your greens. This will take a little more time, but juicing is a superb way to get a lot of nutrients into your body. Without the added fiber, you’ll be able to drink a huge glass of juice without getting too full. If you’re looking for a great juicer, check this one out.
13. Take a green powder. This is an easy and affordable option, and is great for those mornings, where you’re short on time, or when you’re traveling.
14. Sprout for a nutritional power boost. This is one of my favorite ways to get more nutrition into my diet. I’m always sprouting one seed or another. My favorites are broccoli, peas, fennel, radish, and mustard seeds.
Key Points
Green looks good on you, so eat more leafy greens. Use the tips on how to eat more greens I’ve outlined above to creatively add more vegetables to your meals. Your body will thank you, and you might just learn to love them.
How do you get more greens into your diet? Are there strategies you use to incorporate more vegetables into your meals? Let me know in the comments:)