How to eat healthy if you HATE veggies?! HELP!

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Replies

  • aluethi1
    aluethi1 Posts: 97 Member
    Have you tried raw veggies or always cooked? I know I can't stand most vegetables, but I can eat raw carrots, peas in pods, cucumbers, green beans sometimes but once any of those are cooked I can't eat them because they've turned disgusting.
  • Going on one of those Advocare cleanses? Have fun sitting in the bathroom for the next few days. That's all water weight, no fat or anything substantial. Why not actually go onto Google or a website like allrecipes.com to look up recipes yourself?
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Because maybe I'm trying to find foods that are better for me instead of the regular pizza, lasagna, chips, pop & chocolate that I stuff in my face now. Thanks for not helping at all. I asked for specific recipes because I'm trying to better myself...not your irrelevant comments.

    maybe you should take the time to actually ponder some of the things that very successful people here mention. The point being that the most important aspect of all of this is going to be adherence and sustainability...if you can't do either then you are wasting your time.

    Also...you'll just have to learn to like veggies...I mean my four year old can get away with that nonsense but you're an adult...cook them in different ways...I generally prefer mine sauteed or roasted....try different varieties and combinations...eat them raw with some awesome humus, etc. Really...you can't get proper nutrition through your diet without veggies, and that's just the way it is.
  • I have. Wasn't helpful.
  • JackieRL55
    JackieRL55 Posts: 144 Member
    Honestly I think you should just try every single vegetable until you find some you like. My bff was the same way and she had an open mind (as you say you do) and now she eats all kinds of new veggies she had never even tried before (even though she swore on a stack of bibles she hated ALL veggies). Obviously you can lose weight without eating a lot of veggies but I don't think it's sustainable and I really do believe you get the best nutrients from veggies. Try boiling, roasting, baking, sauteing, chopping it up in itty bitty pieces and putting it in meat sauce or mashes. Try skinnytaste . com they have GREAT recipes.

    At the end of the day, where there is will there's a way. Good luck!
  • thevoice1973
    thevoice1973 Posts: 55 Member
    I've discovered that one of the reasons that people dislike vegetables is that they have never learned how to properly cook them; I don't mean that to be mean or to criticize! Head on over to the Eating Well website for a huge collection of free recipes to help you out!

    As for specific recipes, you might want to try to reintroduce yourself to some vegetables (nothing fancy or unknown) by picking one and trying several different recipes for it. I would suggest something simple like green beans (I drop mine in boiling water for 1 minute and drain them!) or even carrots. I saw a lot of advice on broiling/baking, which are easy ways to improve the flavour by natural caramelization. I noticed in your OP that many of the foods you mention have been processed (by that I mean they have been transformed from their natural state to one that is different). It's a habit I've noticed a lot in North America and I've attributed it to less exposure to a variety of cooking styles.

    It's a tough situation and I empathize, but recommend that you stick with it. It takes a while to train your palate to recognize and appreciate new tastes. Stick with it! (PS: Most people did not like beer/wine/coffee the first time they tried it and yet...)

    PS: And try to undercook a little (reduce the cooking time); it tends to do wonders for the taste!
  • I couldn't agree with you more. I have to learn to like them and prepare them in different ways....which is exactly what I asked of others. What are some recipes/ways you prepare your veggies.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Is the tuna a no-no, or the mayo? I eat tuna with mayo and add finely chopped onion, celery, radish and carrot.

    I would suggest roasting vegetables. Toss vegetables in oil and spices, spread on baking sheet and bake in hot oven until they start to brown. Almost any vegetable is good this way. Much tastier than steamed or nuked or boiled.
  • From the 'guidelines' I've read, the mayo is not 'allowed'. I agree, I think maybe baking them would be better. I'll definitely try it. Thanks!
    I don't plan on doing this advocare thing forever, just a nice way to kick off a new 'lifestyle' of eating.
  • bohemian124
    bohemian124 Posts: 152 Member
    I second the smoothie and roasting ideas!

    Smoothies are great for adding greens like spinach, lettuce, kale, bok choy, etc. to your meal. I suggest starting with lighter greens and working your way up. Romaine can taste surprisingly strong in a smoothie, and a little kale definiately goes a long way. Spinach and bok choy are both mild, and you can use them fresh or frozen. Add some frozen berries or whatever fruit you like, and they will mask the flavor of the greens. There are tons of green smoothie recipes out there. I don't recommend the ones with avocado to start, it's an aquired taste - even for this avocado lover!

    Roasting veggies is also good. Maybe start small with roasted potatoes and add carrots, sweet potato, or butternut squash - they are all sweet and mild and wonderful roasted. As you get more comfortable, you can add the scarier veggies, like brussel sprouts, which are fantastic roasted! You could also try baking kale chips (I go 350 for <10 minutes); start by adding lots of spices for flavoring, or a spash of balsamic for something more zesty.

    Grilling veggies outside or on a grill pan is also a good option. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and squash are delicious grilled. Just toss with a little oil and whatever seasoning you like. If you don't have time, you can go to Whole Foods and pick up their grilled veggies from their salad bar area.

    Best of luck, both on your cleanse and with your future food choices!
  • That was VERY helpful!! Thanks!
  • crystalfisher89
    crystalfisher89 Posts: 196 Member
    Have you ever given green smoothies a try? I usually do half spinach half varous frozen fruit (half a frozen ripe banana and then other frozen blueberries / strawberries / mangos / whatever I happen to have). I usually also put in a heaping tablespoon of protein powder, but that's completely optional.

    ^^^^ THIS!! I don't much like veggies (aside from raw cauliflower and steamed asparagus) and I love using kale or spinach- 1 cup, 1 cup almond milk or skim milk, 1 banana, 1 scoop unflavored protein powder, and some cinnamon (cinnamon makes for a GREAT appetite suppressant). It tastes delicious and aside from the green color, you totally cannot taste the greens. I am sure the rest other fruits will work, but bananas are quite cost effective for my budget and pack lots of potassium.

    Overnight oats are also a great creation for a protein heavy-filling breakfast. I use a 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, 1/2 cup vanilla greek yogurt, 1/2 cup almond or skim milk, 1/2 scoop unflavored protein powder, and some cinnamon. Stir together and leave overnight or even just a half hour and it's ready. Tastes like a oatmeal cream cookie! And no guilt is involved. :)

    On a side note, I wouldn't suggest doing a cleanse, they really don't work (only short term until a week after you're done then you put everything back on) and fad diets really are just that, a fad. I've tried it too many times and I will happily say that since I've been counting calories on MFP, I've managed to stay relatively happy with my weight. There are some ups and downs, but that's life. I also am a big advocate of not eating too little. We're human and you can enjoy eating, just be thoughtful about what you eat before you eat it. I still have chocolate and pizza and don't gain a pound from it. Actually, I have chocolate everyday in fact. I'm down to my last 10 lbs and back up to eating 2000 calories due to how much I work out. It's a slow process, but you'll be satisfied in the long run because the weight will come off and stay off if you are eating the things you still enjoy in moderation. I hope this helps!
  • getshredded2012
    getshredded2012 Posts: 26 Member
    lost me at Advocare 10 day cleanse...wat

    This.

    Any time I see or hear the word "cleanse" I shake my head.
  • That's awesome, thanks a lot! I've done MFP & it helped, but at the same time..I FELT like I was starving. I lost weight, but it had me on a 1000-1200 calorie diet and eating the foods I eat...that's nothing, which is why I'd like to find some healthier foods.
  • crystalfisher89
    crystalfisher89 Posts: 196 Member
    That's awesome, thanks a lot! I've done MFP & it helped, but at the same time..I FELT like I was starving. I lost weight, but it had me on a 1000-1200 calorie diet and eating the foods I eat...that's nothing, which is why I'd like to find some healthier foods.

    Depending on how much you workout, I always say 1500-1700 is a good number and eat back at least half your exercise calories. I tries to put me at 1600 and I can't do it any more. I'm constantly hungry and you don't live a happy life that way. It's okay to set your MFP to 1 lb of loss a week because the slower you lose, the longer it'll stay off.
  • ok.
  • auteurfille22
    auteurfille22 Posts: 251 Member
    Spices have really changed my opinion of veggies. They can make a WORLD of difference. Even a bit of salt. Or a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella is good too.
  • hastingsmassage
    hastingsmassage Posts: 162 Member
    You need to find new way, and you need to like it because you will have to do it for the rest of your life...diets don't work, life style change does, remember. Good luck. Btw Veggies are great...give them a chance..
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Could someone give my SPECIFIC recipes that may help me? I’ll TRY anything, but I know I’m gonna need to prepare it specific ways. I’ve been told that I can use Mrs. Dash seasonings, unsure if that’s true.

    This is a hard one, but well worth it.

    Cut up your vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are nice like this.

    Turn the oven on to 450.

    Toss all the vege in a bowl with about 1-2T of olive oil. Add salt and pepper.

    Roast until little caramelized and delicious.
  • Sweet potatoes are really a good way to get a veggie into your diet if you are not a veggie person. I am new here and this is my first day! I had a medium size (what is that?) potato about 5 inches by 2 inches and used some butter substitute on it. Wow the calories in butter!!

    I wish you luck with your diet plan!
  • Karen_LM
    Karen_LM Posts: 61 Member
    Rather than subjecting yourself to the misery of a diet mostly of foods you hate, try modifying your current diet to include them in the foods you like.

    There are several cookbooks/blogs giving recipes for adding purees of vegetables to everything from pasta sauce to macaroni and cheese, burgers, casseroles, dips for veggies, and even desserts. some are written with children in mind, some with adults. Beginning with hidden vegetables, and working your way up to actual vegetables might be easier than a sudden and complete change of diet.

    http://www.thesneakychef.com/
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Deceptively-Delicious-Simple-Secrets-Eating/dp/006176793X
    http://myhusbandhatesveggies.com/
  • thevoice1973
    thevoice1973 Posts: 55 Member
    Try these two:

    - Green beans with almond slivers: Drop beans on salted boiling water for 1.5 minutes, drain, drizzle with 1 tap olive oil and add the equivalent of three almonds in slivers (or sliver your own with a sharp knife).
    - Carrots with Dijon mustard: Slice carrots, drop in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, drain, return to saucepan, add 1 tap of Dijon mustard and 1 tsp olive oil (or cocnut oil for a change), toss well.

    Remember that there are many ways to add flavour without calories: vinegars (like balsamic) reduce nicely and have tons of taste. Spices can also work real wonders, but go with fresh rather than dry. Consider as well that garlic and onions add tons of flavour with very little calories too!

    Hope this helps a bit!
  • Karen_LM
    Karen_LM Posts: 61 Member
    Other than hiding them: liking them comes with exposure. After so many times it becomes less offensive, then maybe acceptable, then maybe even liked.

    You may be a supertaster (google it) and the various bitter or sour taste components are much stronger to you than to other people. Begin with naturally sweet veg (carrots, corn, sweet potatoes) and use methods that add sweetness like roasting, boiling with a sprinkle of sugar in the water, or using recipes that glaze them with sugar, jams, honey or syrup might even help. You wont want to do that always and forever! But, to get you started, it might help. Dont be afraid to use salt to enhance the flavors as well.
  • if you've more of a fondness for salty than sweet, try roasting the veggies (some of my faves for this are portabello caps and red peppers) and then slice, mix and top with some feta. mmm salty flavoury goodness.
  • KingofWisdom
    KingofWisdom Posts: 229 Member
    The Morningstar Farms "Chik" patties taste great and have 8g of protein at 140 calories.
  • shadowlydarkness
    shadowlydarkness Posts: 243 Member
    Personally I dont believe in doing a cleanse, its just a marketing trick, but if you are wanting to try then I hope it works for you. Veggies can be very dull and boring as some dont have much flavour to begin with, but depending on how you prepare them they can become amazing.

    My partner loves pizza, he's a skinny ***** so he doesnt need to care, problem is that I of course love pizza to; our solution is that we make our pizza at home, it is fun to make together, and it is way healthier as you decide what goes in it. Also getting a thin crust instead of a normal or thick one will save you heaps in calories and carbs!

    Our pizza normally will have whatever we feel like but below I will give you one of my favorites:

    - Super thin pizza base from the supermarket
    - low sodium tomato paste
    - button mushrooms
    - low fat ham and salami (or tuna!)
    - pineapple
    - red and yellow capsicums
    - tomato (without the seeds, otherwise your base will become soggy)
    - noble chedder (special brand here in NZ, less then 100cals for 25 grams, if grated I use only 50 grams for a whole pizza)
    - a bit of bbq sauce

    Super yummy and healthier then most pizza's you can buy.

    Feel free to add me if you want more recipes. I dont eat only healthy foods as I know that is not something I can do for ever but I try and work the unhealthy food into my calorie goals and balance it with exercise. Also smoothies are amazing!
  • Soufre
    Soufre Posts: 236 Member
    I hate vegetables too. I hate everything about them. Weirdly enough if I juice a bunch of them together, they taste great! Sometimes you just got to man up and eat them. Who knows you might acquire a taste for a few of them (for me it was broccoli and eggplant.)
    I tend to eat more fruit to make up for the lack of vegetables I consume.
  • marshallexi
    marshallexi Posts: 162 Member
    Have you ever given green smoothies a try? I usually do half spinach half varous frozen fruit (half a frozen ripe banana and then other frozen blueberries / strawberries / mangos / whatever I happen to have). I usually also put in a heaping tablespoon of protein powder, but that's completely optional.

    This was going to be my suggestion too. I'm terrible for eating fruit (I prefer vegetables any day) so adding some to a smoothie and drowning it in spinach works a treat for me!
  • DamianaKitten
    DamianaKitten Posts: 479 Member
    Because maybe I'm trying to find foods that are better for me instead of the regular pizza, lasagna, chips, pop & chocolate that I stuff in my face now. Thanks for not helping at all. I asked for specific recipes because I'm trying to better myself...not your irrelevant comments.

    Aside from chips, I've put all of those things into my mouth this week. OM NOM NOM

    If you're trying to lose weight by eating foods you don't like, you are setting yourself up for failure. Start small. Instead of chips, nom on some carrots. Try one new veggie a week, and look for difference recipes to go with it. Raw veggies are better for me, because when I cook them I like to smother them in sauce and cheese. :laugh: Eat what you like!
  • DamianaKitten
    DamianaKitten Posts: 479 Member
    Have you ever given green smoothies a try? I usually do half spinach half varous frozen fruit (half a frozen ripe banana and then other frozen blueberries / strawberries / mangos / whatever I happen to have). I usually also put in a heaping tablespoon of protein powder, but that's completely optional.

    This was going to be my suggestion too. I'm terrible for eating fruit (I prefer vegetables any day) so adding some to a smoothie and drowning it in spinach works a treat for me!

    I'm the opposite. I can eat fruit all day, but veggies are another story for me. I don't know why, either, because I do like them. We've even got a good fresh market with local in season produce. I guess with veggies I never really know what to do with them (aside from my previous mention of sauce and cheese, and that busts my calories for the day rather quickly...).