With nutrition being an essential component of our fitness success and overall wellbeing, it is crucial that we follow a staple diet. An issue that affects many kids – much to the despair of their parents – is a reluctance to devour the good stuff, most notably vegetables. However, it has become apparent to me while discussing nutrition plans with my adult clients, that sometimes us grown-ups also struggle to consume enough of the “boring” foods. Well suffer no more, for I have 3 simple solutions for you.
Who would have thought healthy eating could be simple? And yummy? Well, it really can be, and you don’t need to be a whizz in the kitchen to boost your nutrition. Here are 3 easy ways to eat your vegetables.
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1. Blender
Gather up all that crap you can’t stand – which happens to be really darned good for you – such as broccoli, spinach, asparagus, kale, etc. and toss it all in a blender. Mix with water, juice, milk, yogurt – something healthy that takes your fancy. And voila, you can acquire all the daily nutrients your body needs…in a drink! What’s more, you can get creative by adding extra healthy ingredients, such as fruit and nuts, to cleverly disguise any hint of a rancid flavor, and which can actually make for a very pleasant tasting and rich textured beverage. The great thing about making a smoothie is that you can take it on the go. Check out this #1 selling portable blender on Amazon:
Hamilton Beach Portable Blender – $20.85
- Fast and easy one-touch blending, and durable stainless steel blades
- 14oz BPA-free travel mug with lid
- Lightweight, easy to carry, and fits most car cupholders
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Available in a variety of colors
2. Soup
If it’s a cold day and you’re in the mood for something warm and cozy, then you can literally make a meal of your greens. Scoop up those nutritious veggies before they go bad, dump them all into a pan, add water, and then add some herbs and spices for taste. Soups are like smoothies in that you can get creative with the ingredients. And let’s face it, even a fool can cook a soup. Add a bit of chicken broth or vegetable broth for extra flavor, and before your very eyes you will have created a simple yet nutrient-packed meal. You can also add some healthy protein, such as chicken or tofu. And potatoes or rice will make it wholesome and hearty. There are tons of healthy soup recipes online. Otherwise, I found an amazing healthy soup recipe book on Amazon:
Soups: Hearty & Healthy Cookbook – $9.99
- Delicious recipes with step-by-step instruction
- A variety of healthy soups to suit any palette
- Available in paperback and on Kindle
3. stir fry
A vegetable stir fry is a quick and easy meal that requires just one pan, minimal preparation, and several minutes of cooking time. So if you’re feeling lazy, this is a great option for accomplishing a healthy, scrumptious, vegetable-enriched dish. Simply heat some olive oil in a pan and chuck in whatever vegetables you can get your hands on. Add as many colors as possible to ensure you’re getting an array of nutrients and vitamins. Again, you can get as creative as you like with herbs, spices, and other ingredients, especially if you need to disguise the vegetable taste. I cook my stir fries in an “everything pan”. And this is very aptly named, as you really can throw anything into a stir fry! Add meat, fish, or whatever protein you please, and opt for rice or noodles for extra density. For inspiration, check out this healthy stir fry cookbook:
Stir Fry Cookbook: 20 Super Fast Stir-Fries That Are Healthy, Quick & Easy! – $19.95
- A comprehensive step-by-step guide to stir fry recipes that taste great
- Images included with all recipes so you can preview the finished meal
- Author email address included for any questions you may have
Remember, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, boost immunity, reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower the risk of eye and digestive problems, keep your skin and hair healthy, and have a positive effect on blood sugar, which can help keep your appetite in check. Heck, it can even help you live longer. Do you really need a better reason than that to start gobbling up those veggies?
So seriously folks, there’s no excuse and too many important health benefits to miss out on. Throw all your greens in a soup, stir fry, or blender and get them down you. Bottoms up!