More Veggies

[bsktcase]

How do you incorporate more veggies into your daily diet? I'm looking for tips.

Lately I've been bringing a handful of sugar snap peas with a handful of sliced red peppers to work as a snack. I like to eat raw broccoli with dip but I think I've eaten more broccoli in the past two weeks than anyone in the world should. :funny1:

[fire_rocket]

I've been into these little frozen steamable packets - they have tons of varieties and some have sauce, and they must be at least 2 servings per package (and I can eat an entire one with no problem). I eat those at lunch sometimes with a sandwich, or cook them for dinner when I don't have another veggie option. I also have little cans of V8 around. :)

I know a woman who's pushing this stuff on me, especially since I'm pregnant. It does sound intriguing and like it couldn't hurt, but it's fairly expensive.
www.robinsjuiceplus.com

[bsktcase]

Thanks :)

Hmmm...I think I'd rather eat my veggies than take them in pill form.

[HoopsTer]

SMOOTHIES!

That's my favorite way to encorporate more veggies into my diet.
I always put veggies into my *fruit* smoothies in the morning. I like smoothies better than juice becuase the blended fruits/veggies still gives you the fiber!!

If you eat a lot of lettuce (like on sandwiches etc) switch out the lettuce for another green that's more packed with vitamins - like beet greens, kale or red/swiss chard.

When I have the munchies, I try to force myself to choose a veggie. It gets the veggies in, it's better for me and I eat waaaay less (because of the fiber)

Try not to think about "packing stuff into" your diet.
Think about CROWDING STUFF OUT of your diet- instead of choosing pita chips with your hummus, choose cucumber spears, carrots or celery.

Evenutally it will come naturally :)

[moonstone]

If i don't have at least one, preferably two HUGE salads a day, things just aren't right.

The key to a yummy salad is avocados and a yummy dressing.

[bsktcase]

HoopsTer, I love smoothies but I've never added veggies to them! Got any yummy recipes?

I have a juicer and last spring/summer I made at least one a day. I'll have to start doing that again. That really worked well to um...clean me out.

Moonstone, the avocado in a salad sounds yummy. I'm relatively new to avocados so I'll have to incorporate them into my diet much more often.

[HoopsTer]

Green Lift Smoothie

Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients:
1 bunch of kale, finely chopped
1-2 grated carrots
3 cups boiled water
1 cup coconut milk

Directions: Add kale, carrot and water to a blender and puree very well, about 2 minutes.
Add coconut milk and blend for 10-15 seconds more.
Serve warm or place in the fridge and serve chilled.
Notes: Add a slice of ginger or a dash of cayenne pepper for an added kick.
I like it with the ginger.


I haven't actually tried this one, but it looks yummy!
1 cup apple juice
1 cup of sliced apple (sweet tasting apples are better)
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup of cucumber (peeled and sliced)
2 cups of ice
a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)


have tried this one, it's good :)
1 Carrot (chopped)
4 Florets of Broccoli
2 Handfuls of Spinach
1 Apple (chopped)
2 Oranges (peeled and quartered)
Orange Juice to dilute


I tend to toss in the blender whatever fruit i have around and then grab a sweet veggie or green to put in. I put beets in my fruit smoothies a lot. Beets are packed with vitamins and minerals, they're sweet and they don't make your smoothie baby poo green or brown- which no matter how yummy the drink is, can be a little bit unappealing. :lol:

It's easier to keep some flash steamed/boiled veggies in your fridge, they blend easier...that's what I do for carrotts, instead of spending extra money on the pre shredded bags.

[bsktcase]

VERY COOL! I'll have to give these a go! YAY!! And great advice for the flash steaming. My blender is strong but I don't think it could take on a raw carrot. :)

[fire_rocket]

How many smoothies do you get out of one of those recipes? That's a lotta veggies to be throwing in...

[MistyMountain]

one of my fave green smoothies:
1 banana
couple of pears
kale
handful of mint

i have a vita-mix (the cadillac of blenders!) and it blends veggies up real nice and smooth. vita-mixes are a bit pricey but totally worth it, imo

another veggie tip:
use raw collard leaves as a wrapper for sandwich wraps . yum :)

[KrisNYG]

One of my fave side dishes (or whole meal) is a pan of roasted veggies.

Baby red potatoes (halved), carrots cut in 1-2" sections, parsnips (cut the same as carrots), onion quartered. Put them in a baking tray with a few Ts of olive oil, salt, pepper and rosemary. Bake for about 30-45 min at 350-375. You'll know when they're done. Sometimes I add the parsnips about 10 min into the cooking time since they seem to cook faster. Really, really good!

I also love grilled asparagus. Drizzled with olive oil and a little salt and pepper. I love asparagus plain but grilling it is divine.

I am an avocado junkie. Seriously, I need help! :lol: One of my favorite sandwiches is whole grain bread, tomato, lettuce, avocado and some mayo. You could also make some guacamole too. Really easy! The Barefoot Contessa has a great guac recipe...

* 4 ripe Haas avocados
* 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemon)
* 8 dashes hot pepper sauce
* 1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
* 1 large garlic clove, minced
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 medium tomato, seeded, and small-diced

Directions

Cut the avocados in 1/2, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh out of their shells into a large bowl. (I use my hands.) Immediately add the lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper and toss well. Using a sharp knife, slice through the avocados in the bowl until they are finely diced. Add the tomatoes. Mix well and taste for salt and pepper.

great, now I want guac! :lol:

[Ginger Snap]

I like avacados sliced and thrown into wraps...chicken, veggie, whatever.