Vegetables are the healthiest and most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. So what are you to do if you want to live healthy but hate vegetables? Keep reading!
One of the most common complaints I hear from clients is ‘I hate veggies’ Most people seem to do well with fruit but eating an adequate amount of vegetables is a major struggle. I think I’ve heard it all from the vegetable haters:
- Vegetables are gross
- Vegetables make me gag
- I can't stand the texture of them
- I just dislike the taste of vegetables
- They’re bitter
- I hate feeling like I'm eating..... Earth
- I have tried them raw, cooked, steamed, anyway you can think of and I still HATE them
If this sounds like you - have no fear there is hope. I say that with utmost confidence because I too was a vegetable hater. Now I cannot survive without my daily doses of green. Trust me vegetables IS NOT a food group you want to eliminate from your diet. Vegetables benefit your digestion and supports healthy elimination.
Here are my top 5 tips to sneak more vegetables into your diet
Start with a salad
By enjoying a salad as your first course you will be adding extra veggies into your diet that you may have been skipping otherwise. This will keep you from overeating your main course. All of the nutrition-packed goodness in your salad will fulfill you in a way that empty calories don’t, and lower the amount of food you need to feel satisfied in your main course.
Snack Smart
Have raw, cut veggies on hand to use as snacks throughout the day. You will be far more satiated with a raw, healthy snack over a bag of potato chips — I guarantee it. The crucial factor is making sure you have these healthy snacks ready and nearby, so plan ahead!
Swap deli meats and cheese for vegetable spreads and pate
Deli meats are a highly processed foods that most often contain high fructose corn syrup, sodium nitrate and excessive amounts of sodium. Swap deli meats like sliced turkey, ham, and roast beef for plant based alternatives like nut butter, hummus, avocado, and baba ganoush. They’re 100% healthier for you!
Add vegetables to your regular meals
For example if you’re making scrambled eggs toss in some sauteed spinach and tomatoes. Add leafy greens, mushrooms and tomatoes to your grilled sandwiches or wraps.
Learn to cook one plant based meal
Meatless Monday is a great initiative. Learn to cook a completely plant based meal your health will thank you.
I hope this post helps open up your mind and approach veggies in a positive way. If you’re still not convinced and wondering…
Can I still lose weight if I don’t eat vegetables?!?
Well…. technically you can lose weight eating ANYTHING. Have you heard of the Kaiser Hot Dog diet? I rest my case.
You have to decide on your end game. And if your end game is health (which I sure hope it is) then you NEED to train your body to love vegetables. You have nothing to lose but lots to gain!
Great ideas! I know I feel a lot better when I eat lots of veggies!
Me too Tracy. I can’t live without them!
I LOVE eating tons of vegetables in my diet! I find that using them as substitutes for not-so-healthy foods are really helpful as well. Cauliflower-pizza crusts, Portobello burger buns, zucchini noodles, sweet potato pancakes, need I say more? 🙂
Cassie you must be in my head that post is coming next! <3
This is awesome. Will give it a try 🙂
I want to reap nutritional benefits of these veggies, but like vegetable haters I don’t step forward to try them. But this post with alluring recipes are mouth watering. For now, I decided to try salad recipe. Cucumber is my favorite, will start eating it from today. (Already asked my mom to bring few cukes from market)