7 easy ways to help you eat your veggies
Are you one the many people that the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is saying that does not eat enough vegetables? Is eating fast foods more convenient for you? Or you’re just plainly not eating vegetables because you don’t like their taste?
If you said yes to all questions that you are in danger of getting sick. Experts suggest that you eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Vegetables are health foods low in calories, and they are high in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber.
Increased consumption of vegetables has been associated with lowering the risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Strokes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary function
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Diverticulosis
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Cataracts
- Arthritis
- Cancer
In addition, increased consumption of vegetables has also been positively associated with longevity, bone health and skin health.
Here are 7 easy ways to help you get started to eating your vegetables:
- First things first, set a Goal. Start with small goals you can attain effortlessly and then set larger goals as you go. For example, start by eating one extra serving of vegetables a day then when you have achieved that, your next goal could be to include an extra serving of vegetables at most meals.
- Cut down on preparation time by buying packaged, ready-to-eat fresh vegetables.
- Dip raw vegetables in low-fat salad dressing, hummus, or peanut butter and Make a flavorful side dish by tossing raw or cooked broccoli and cauliflower with low-fat Italian dressing and parmesan cheese.
- Roast vegetables to bring out their flavor. Just drizzle them with a small amount of olive oil, and bake them in the oven until they are tender.
- Season cooked vegetables with lemon juice and a small amount of olive oil. For extra flavor, add fresh herbs such as basil, tarragon, and sage.
- Add lots of colorful vegetables, such as red cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, to green salads.
- Add extra vegetables, such as grated zucchini or carrots, spinach, kale, and bell peppers, to pasta sauces and soups. Add lots of vegetables to sandwiches. Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and avocado slices are flavorful choices.
