5 Tips to Start Eating Your Veggies and Liking Them too!

I didn't always enjoy my veggies.  In fact, if you were to offer me a peach or bowl of broccoli, I would probably choose the peach every time.  Now, if that broccoli was chopped finely and drizzled with poppyseed dressing, I might be more about it! There are so many ways to prepare and spice up your veggies that will make them a lot more appetizing on your plate... you may even go back for seconds!  Here are 5 tips, to get you to start eating your veggies and liking them too *cue in gasps*.

Tip 1: DON'T overcook them.

Overcooked veggies are an immediate turn off.  A common mistake people make is over steaming, or over boiling their veggies.  Choose firm veggies that haven't wilted and cook them only until they are soft enough to be poked through easily with a fork.  For some crunch, try tossing them in some olive oil after cooking and frying them in a pan for a bit of crispiness.

Tip 2: Use at least 2 seasonings.

One of these seasonings must be salt.  Salt is such an essential seasoning that can really make your veggies taste bland if you don't use enough. And if your veggies are bland, chances are you're not eating them because you actually like them.  The second seasoning is totally up to you! Try adding a bit of paprika for a simpler smoky flavor.  Or some cumin for a lemony undertone.  If you really want to, zest it up with some garlic and ginger for some asian vibes.  This is where your creativity can flow and you an design flavors that really satisfy you.

Tip 3: Choose veggies that are easily prepared

This is more of a psychological tip.  Chances are you will be less likely to utilizes those carrots and potatoes if they need to be peeled, chopped, and boiled first.  Having "convenient" veggies around, will make you more likely to reach for them when you're on a time crunch.  Try cherry tomatoes instead of vine ones that need to be chopped.  Or baby red potatoes and baby carrots that don't require peeling.

Tip 4: Use them aesthetically

Aim at making colorful dishes and veggies will naturally flow into your meals.  Veggies come in so many colors from bright red tomatoes, to hot pink beets, and burgundy potatoes.  Make a note of getting a few different colors into your meal and eating those veggies will come easily.  This is also a good tip for getting kids to eat their veggies.  Studies show that cutting foods into interesting shapes can get a child to want to try them more often.  Try using a star shaped cookie cutter on the bell peppers and putting them on top of their pizza.

Tip 5: Replace your carbs

Instead of having white rice with your orange chicken, swap it out for some steamed broccoli and carrots. Or how about that fettuccini alfredo you've been craving?  Toss the cream sauce with half as many noodles and replace the rest with some cauliflower.  Chances are, you will feel less guilty about what you just ate, and still really enjoy it. 

2nd image from "Two Peas and Their Pod"