Small Goals For Big Success
The beginning of each year offers us a fresh start. We reflect on the previous year and create goals that benefit our overall health. Although we have the best intentions for these goals to stick throughout the year, we sometimes fall short of them becoming habits.
There are multiple reasons those habits are hard to form. Do you find yourself exhausted from the day? Are you tempted to grab the most convenient option out there (which doesn’t always include fruits and veggies)? This happens to me sometimes, especially after a busy day. I find myself struggling with making time to meal prep, or not wanting to try a new cooking technique. Plus, it is so easy to fall into our old habits!
Adding fruits and vegetables into meals and snacks is an excellent goal for the new year. The key is creating realistic short-term goals. Accomplishing a series of small goals one at a time helps us have better long-term success. It is very important to break down our goals so we don’t feel overwhelmed. Smaller goals are easier to stick with and become part of our everyday routine. One attainable goal that I made for my family and myself is to add one extra serving of produce every week. I’m making sure to build them into our meal plan and snacks, as well. To help you start fresh in 2021, here are some produce-inspired ideas to try!
Sneak Them In
Add in vegetables or fruits to many of your popular dishes.
- Shred zucchini or apple and add to your favorite grain muffins or quick bread recipes
- Cook and blend butternut squash and mix into macaroni and cheese
- Blend pureed sweet potatoes into waffle or pancake batter
- Sauté carrots, onion, or broccoli for 5 minutes and mix into pasta sauce for a quick veggie-filled dinner
- One of my favorite ways to incorporate produce is in casserole dishes like Veggie Shepard’s Pie. This is a perfect warm dish on a cold January day!
Snack On Chips
Making homemade chips out of sweet potatoes, kale, beets, Brussel sprouts or apples with cinnamon is a snack everyone will enjoy! My family loves kale chips tossed in olive oil and finished with a dash of salt and sprinkle of garlic powder.
Spread Them On
Avocado toast is one way I love to start my day. Try mashing an avocado and mixing it with diced tomato, onion and garlic powder as a spread on your breakfast toast! I also love putting this easy spread on my sandwiches and wraps.
Heat Them Up
Roasting vegetables helps to jazz up produce and brings out their natural sweetness. Turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, parsnips, Brussel sprouts are all good choices. My favorite roasted vegetable is Brussel Sprouts. I simply cut the sprouts into quarters, toss in olive oil, and bake for 30 minutes or until tender. To finish them, I toss in a maple balsamic vinegar. My family also loves when I make this Roasted Turnips with Herbs and Feta recipe!
Did you see any new recipes you’re inspired to try? What sounds best to you? For more easy, affordable recipes featuring produce, visit Giant Food Store’s Savory Recipe Collection.
