There is no shortage of health information touting the benefits of eating more vegetables. Knowing IF we should be eating them has never been the topic of debate.
Rather, the question we are faced with is HOW to incorporate these nutrient-packed superfoods into our daily diets. Let me share some of my favorite ways (and favorite recipes) to sneak these often unpopular foods onto our plates!
Hide them in your meatballs: Meatballs have quickly become one of my favorite go-to options when I find myself questioning what to make for dinner. Whenever I have some extra veggies in the fridge to use up, I love to use them to make meatballs. Celery, onion, bell pepper, and carrots are all great add-ins. The more finely you mince them, the less noticeable they are!
Blend them in your smoothie: Another great way to stock up on your veggies is to drink them! Adding raw spinach or kale to a fruit smoothie is a quick and easy way to create a delicious, nutrient-packed meal. Throw in a handful of leafy greens next time you are blending up your favorite smoothie, and be amazed by how seemingly tasteless those greens become when they are mixed up with all the other goodness in your cup!
Use them to replace your staple grains: I often find myself in a moment of awe and gratitude as I am preparing spaghetti squash and saying to myself, “How cool is God to create a vegetable that naturally shreds into spaghetti noodles?!” Spaghetti squash is a regular staple on my grocery list. I was equally as excited when I first discovered riced cauliflower. While it’s not hard to make on your own, I typically buy mine at Trader Joe’s. Use it in casseroles, soups, or stir-fry dishes. It’s such a simple replacement for rice!
Would you believe me if I told you that you can even eat vegetables for dessert? When it’s pumpkin season, all things are possible. ? Chia seed pudding has become a favorite dessert recipe of mine. Blend together your choice of milk, pumpkin puree, and a touch of honey, then stir in a couple spoonfuls of chia seeds and VOILA! few hours later you have a tasty, veggie-based dessert!
Hidden Veggie Recipes:
2 lbs ground meat (beef, turkey or other)
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 lb fresh or frozen green beans
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tsp sea salt
Boil sweet potatoes and green beans in 1/2 cup water until soft (20-30 min). Let cool.
Add veggies and spices (all ingredients but meat) to the food processor. Blend until smooth.
Mix veggie mixture and meat together. Form into balls. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.
1 cup almond milk
½ cup pumpkin puree
1-2 Tbsp honey (to preferred sweetness)
½ tsp cinnamon
3 Tbsp chia seeds
Blend all ingredients together in a blender except for the chia seeds. Once well blended, pour mixture into a mason jar and stir in chia seeds. Refrigerate jar of pudding overnight and enjoy in the morning!