9 Ways to Get MORE Veggies in Your Belly

Incorporating more vegetables into your diet is a great way to boost your nutrient intake and improve your overall health. Easier said than done, right?! 

Never fear, here are NINE creative tips to get you to the recommended five (or more!) servings a day (a serving is 1/2 cup).

1. Start with Breakfast: Add vegetables to your breakfast by incorporating them into omelets, scrambles, or breakfast burritos. You can also blend leafy greens like spinach or kale into smoothies for a nutrient-packed start to your day.
2. Snack on Veggies: Keep pre-cut vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber on hand for quick and healthy snacks. Pair them with hummus, guacamole, or Greek yogurt dip for added flavor.
3. Swap Out Grains: Replace grains with vegetables in your meals to increase your veggie intake. For example, use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, or make cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to white rice.
4. Bulk Up Soups and Stews: Add extra vegetables to soups, stews, and chili to increase their nutritional value and fill you up. You can throw in a variety of vegetables such as carrots, onions, tomatoes, kale, and broccoli to add flavor and texture.
5. Try Vegetable Noodles: Experiment with vegetable noodles made from zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, or beets as a substitute for traditional pasta. You can spiralize the vegetables yourself or find pre-packaged options at the grocery store.
6. Stuff Vegetables: Stuff vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms with a mixture of grains, beans, and herbs for a nutritious and satisfying meal. You can customize the filling based on your preferences and dietary needs.
7. Add Veggies to Pizza and Sandwiches: Load up your pizza or sandwich with plenty of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. You can also experiment with unique toppings like roasted eggplant, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
8. Make Veggie-packed Stir-fries: Stir-fries are a quick and versatile way to incorporate lots of vegetables into your meals. Use a variety of colorful veggies like broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, and bok choy, and pair them with protein sources like tofu, chicken, or shrimp.
9. Experiment with Veggie-based Snacks and Treats: Get creative in the kitchen by making veggie-based snacks and treats. Bake kale chips, roast chickpeas with spices, or make sweet potato brownies or zucchini muffins for a nutritious and delicious snack option.

By incorporating these tips into your meal planning and cooking routine, you can easily increase your vegetable intake and enjoy the health benefits of a plant-rich diet.