4 Creative Ways to Eat More Veggies

Vegetables are a significant source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help maintain good health. As children, we’re constantly told to eat more veggies. And as adults, we sometimes need to be reminded to consume more produce and add more veg-based foods to our diet. Instead of eating boring, plain vegetables, try the following creative ways to jazz up your veggies so you and your family can receive the nutrients and health benefits they provide while still enjoying tasty meals.

1. Use Your Noodle
You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t enjoy the experience of eating a delicious bowl of noodles. Recently, spiralizing vegetables or transforming them into ribbons have become an incredibly popular way to prep and consume veggies. Zucchini, sweet potatoes, beets, turnips and parsnips are just some of the many veggies that can be spiralized into tasty noodles. Use kitchen tools like a mandolin, spiralizer or ribbon cutter to transform your veggies into noodles. For a simple, savory meal, try zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and pesto, or use strips of zucchini in place of noodles for a healthy lasagna dinner.

2. Trust the Crust
Whether they’re homemade or store-bought, veggie crusts are an excellent way to enjoy the foods you love while eating healthily. Popular veggie crusts include cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato and zucchini. If making from scratch, it’s important to release as much moisture from the veggie as possible before mixing with eggs and seasonings to form the crust. Top veggie crusts with marinara or pesto, cheese and your favorite veggie toppings for additional flavor and nutrients.

3. Go All In With Veggie Chips
Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, kale, zucchini, Brussels sprouts and beets make healthy and delicious homemade chips. Simply slice, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and roast in a 375°F oven until they crinkle around the edges and turn golden brown. Enjoy veggie chips on their own, complemented by your favorite dip or incorporated into main dishes for added sweetness and a range of enticing textures.

4. Sweet Healthy Treats
It’s easy to increase your vegetable intake when the veggies are disguised as sweets. It’s a great trick for helping the kids boost their veggie consumption as well because the taste of veggies in many veg-based desserts isn’t even noticeable. Adding different varieties to desserts heightens not only nutritional content but also provides magnificent moisture, tempting textures and striking colors. Consider nutrient-rich desserts like black bean brownies, chocolate-zucchini muffins or sweet potato-tahini cookies.