Green and Delicious: Simple Tricks to Make Eating Vegetables a Breeze

Melanie Briony
May 27, 2024
2 min read

Eating vegetables can be a challenge for many people, but there are several strategies to make it easier and more enjoyable. Here are some simple tricks to make eating vegetables a breeze.

Incorporate Vegetables into Your Favourite Dishes

Smoothies: Add spinach, kale, or carrots to fruit smoothies. The fruit masks the taste of the vegetables.
Soups and Stews: Blend vegetables into the broth or include them in hearty soups and stews.
Pasta and Pizza: Add vegetables like capsicum, mushrooms, or spinach to pasta sauces and pizza toppings.

Try Different Cooking Methods

Roasting: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender.
Grilling: Grilled vegetables have a smoky flavour. Skewer them or use a grill basket.
Steaming: Steamed vegetables retain their nutrients and have a mild flavour.

Use Flavour Enhancers

Herbs and Spices: Use herbs like basil, coriander, and parsley, and spices like garlic powder, cumin, or paprika to enhance the flavour.
Dressings and Sauces: Drizzle vegetables with a bit of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or a light dressing.
Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle with grated cheese or add toasted nuts for extra flavour and texture.

fruits and vegetables laid out at a farmers market.

Image Credit

Make It Fun

Veggie Dips: Serve raw vegetables with a variety of dips like hummus, guacamole, or yogurt-based dips.
Veggie Chips: Bake thin slices of vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, or zucchini to make crispy chips.
Salad Jars: Layer salads in jars for a visually appealing and easy-to-carry option.

Start Small and Gradual

Small Portions: Start with small portions of vegetables and gradually increase the amount.
Mix with Familiar Foods: Combine small amounts of vegetables with foods you already enjoy, like mixing peas into mashed potatoes.

Experiment with New Vegetables

Variety: Try different types of vegetables to find ones you like. Visit farmers' markets to discover new varieties.
Seasonal Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables often taste better and can be more affordable.

Sneak Them In

Purees: Add vegetable purees to sauces, casseroles, or baked goods. Cauliflower, zucchini, and carrots work well.
Blended Soups: Blend vegetables into creamy soups for a comforting dish.

Involve Kids and Family

Cooking Together: Get children involved in choosing and preparing vegetables. They are more likely to eat what they help make.
Gardening: Grow your own vegetables. Fresh, home-grown produce can be more appealing.

Prep Ahead

Pre-cut Vegetables: Prepare vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for easy snacking or quick meals.
Meal Planning: Plan meals that include vegetables throughout the week.

Mindful Eating

Appreciate Flavours: Take time to enjoy the flavours and textures of vegetables. Mindful eating can enhance your appreciation for them.
Positive Mindset: Approach vegetables with a positive mindset, focusing on the benefits they bring to your health.

Time-Saving Tip

Convenience: Being time-poor can influence your desire to add vegetables to your plate. Buying snap-frozen vegetables makes it easy to include them in your meals without the hassle of washing, peeling, and chopping.

By incorporating these tips, you can make eating vegetables a more enjoyable and effortless part of your daily routine.