About The Buzz: A Powerful Change? Eat More Veggies!

TheBUZZ Adding vegetables to meals and snacks is one of the best changes you can make in your diet.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Ahhh … the post-holiday season is here, along with fond memories and perhaps, a slightly uncomfortable tightening of your favorite jeans. But ‘tis the time to resolve to eating more healthfully! And what better way to do this than to veggie up your diet? Adding vegetables to meals and snacks is one of the best changes you can make in your diet to not only boost your heath but also help manage your weight.

HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?

Vegetables are naturally low in fat and they pack a lot of nutrition in fewer calories. The variety of vegetables available in most supermarkets can also help to avoid mealtime boredom. Remember, frozen vegetables have the same essential nutrition as fresh and are a convenient way to incorporate veggies into your diet.

OUR ADVICE

Here are some ideas for increasing your vegetable consumption …

Better Your Breakfast.

    • Get serving number one of vegetables at breakfast by adding leafy greens to some of your morning favorites. Sauté spinach for your omelet or use kale in your morning smoothie. These healthful additions supply flavor and can pack a full serving with little effort.

Top Off Meals.

    • Constantly being on-the-go with work or running around with the family makes convenience food an easy

go-to

    • . If you aren’t prepping your meals at home, don’t forget to add veggies. Sandwiches, pizza, and soups all taste great topped with greens like spinach, cucumber, zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli.

Sneak It In.

    • We all know people who love to hate what’s good for them. If you have any picky eaters at your table (or if you’re one of them!), sneaking vegetables into your meals is a cinch. Add finely chopped carrots and zucchini to turkey burgers or into baked goods. The mild flavor will go almost undetected and will provide added vegetables.

Kick Up the Flavor!

    • Steamed or boiled vegetables might seem like the way to go, but without the right touch they could lack flavor. Turn up the volume on your veggies by getting creative with spices and different taste combinations. Try balsamic vinegar, a little olive oil, salt, and pepper on freshly steamed green beans, a few chopped pecans over steamed broccoli, or a sprinkling of basil over lightly sautéed zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms.

Serve ’em On the Side.

    • If you can’t add vegetables to what you’re preparing, serve them on the side! A little cheese, some spices, and additional seasonings can enhance the delicious flavors of greens. A handy little trick is

Green Giant Seasoned Steamers

    . Bold flavors in several varieties bring steamed vegetables to a whole new level!

 

For more recipes and information about the health benefits of adding vegetables to your meals and snacks, check out these topics …

 

Healthy Meal Planning with Fruit and Vegetables

      • Healthy Recipes

Top 10 Reasons To Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
 

Also, check out the General Mills Bell Institute of Health & Nutrition Website for more veggie topics like the ones below …

    • Veggie Up Your Diet – Easy Tips to Increase Vegetable Intake
    • Vegetables and Weight Management
    • Getting Kids to Eat and Like Vegetables

 

 

 

 

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