Veggies are excellent for the body, but many people lack in their raw produce consumption. The thing is, if you don’t like veggies or know how to prepare them healthily, you probably won’t eat them often. So here are our life hacks on how to increase the amount of veggies in your diet.
1. Discard unhealthy items from your pantry
The first step to eating more veggies is to reduce the amount of unhealthy foods in your pantry. You need to discard unhealthy items from your pantry because you don’t want them in your food.
Very simply put, it is because these foods will not support the health goals of our body. If we consume processed, chemical-laden substances or canned goods with BPA lining (which many of these types of products do), we are poisoning our bodies by default.
These items may be cheaper and more convenient to purchase while shopping at a grocery store. However, they create challenges for our overall health and longevity. It is why it is important to eat fresh food that is whole and unprocessed whenever possible. It benefits both flavor and fitness.
Always have some healthy snacks on hand to prevent cravings between meals.
We all know how it feels when you’re hungry and you have no food in your house. Instead of grabbing the closest chocolate bar, try to plan and make yummy snacks that are healthy and require veggies. They will not only satiate you but also make sure you don’t go back to old habits when hunger strikes.
2. Have your greens at breakfast
The morning is the best time for a healthy breakfast because it helps you maintain your weight and stay energized. That’s why we suggest having a healthy smoothie or fruit salad. Add some spinach into the mix and prepare yourself for an awesome day.
Green smoothies are a great source of energy for the human body, according to some natural health experts. Lindsey Desoto, RDN also expressed her opinion by saying that drinking these delicious drinks will enhance your immune system and purify blood while rejuvenating yourself. It’s also one reason why greenie boosters like chlorophyll have become popular with many people who need an extra boost during their day.
You may also get some blueberries, cranberries, grapes, and beetroot, blend them with some water or coconut milk until the mixture is smooth. By doing this you will get all the nutrients your body needs in just one cup.
3. Eat raw veggies for snacks instead of chips or other unhealthy foods
Chips are quite popular among people to eat while watching a movie or chatting with friends. But you can be healthier. Just have carrots, cucumber, or bell pepper slices ready at hand and munch away.
Raw veggies are always better than bread. They fill you up faster, so you will eat less, thus not gaining weight. And they are healthier! You know that potatoes and bread don’t have a lot of nutrients, right? But bell peppers, tomatoes, or cucumbers will give you a lot of vitamins.
The best way to beat the afternoon slump is with a fruit and nut butter sandwich. Fruits like apples, bananas, or strawberries are packed full of antioxidants that help keep your energy up while also being high in fiber, so you stay fuller between meals.
4. Add more veggies to your meals
When it comes to tuna salad, there are so many different options for what you can add. Onions and carrots often make an appearance in this dish and with cucumbers or parsley mixed in too. Some other common ingredients include spinach leaves, herbs like thyme and basil.
Lettuce wraps are often used to make low-carb sandwiches and bunless burgers. They can be used in place of tortillas and bread for sandwiches, bunless burgers, or other dishes that require a wrap-like product. According to new research, consuming more green leafy vegetables lowers the chance of getting Type 2 diabetes and it is also confirmed by the Health Canal based on their article about green leafy vegetables.
If you love cooking with sauces and dressings, don’t forget that adding some vegetables will not only make the dish more flavorful but also healthier. Add carrots for a heart-healthy dose of beta carotene or leafy greens like spinach before pouring over your favorite pasta meals onto the plate.
Roasted root vegetables can be pureed to create creamy sauces with an Alfredo-like texture. Carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, purple yam, beets, turnips, and kohlrabi are just a few examples.
For the most brilliant dinner imaginable, make pesto with roasted beets.
Conclusion
Vegetables are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that keep your body running smoothly. When you increase the amount of vegetables in your diet to meet these guidelines, not only will you feel better but also have more energy for living life! So what’s stopping you from adding veggies into every meal?
