how to make myself like vegetables
alipie420
Posts: 39 Member
I try to stock up on healthier foods to force me to eat better, but I can't get myself to eat salads alone. Im not the biggest veggie fan, any tips to make it more enjoyable to eat healthier and not be such a chore?
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I always have to have protein in it. Bite of chicken..with a bite of veggies. That's the only way I can.0
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This is going to sound crazy but it's what I've been doing to get more veg. I cut everything up in one big bowl and have four ounces of pasta sauce on top of it with two tablespoons of sour cream. It was not easy at first, but it gets easier over time. I've used salsa as well with the sour cream but, again, only four ounces. That makes it just enough and not, to me, like everything is drowning in sauce.0
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I make stir fry's with as many different veggies as I can cram in there. Use chicken breast or steak for your meat and add yummy sauces that you like. Make sure to add the veggies in at the last minute so they don't go all soggy and mushy!4
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Cook veggies different ways. Use different spices, etc. You can probably find a tasty way to make them if you put in the effort.
Try googling vegetarian and vegan recipes. They've definitely got some non-standard recipes worth trying.1 -
Hi! I used to not be a big vegetable fan either, but I started by just adding them to whatever I was eating. Easiest way is to just get the frozen veggies in the steamer bag - just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes. But there are so many recipes online that are super yummy! I usually sautée or steam them and do a stir-fry type dish with chunked up chicken breast. My favorite thing to make them seem like more of a cheat is to sprinkle some nutritional yeast on them! I know it sounds kindof weird, but it gives it a cheesy flavor! I use it on everything from popcorn to veggies.1
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I have a vegan recipe blog. I eat ALL foods but find that a worth while vegan recipe is priceless. I vote that you
make my vegan crispy chicken sandwich (sweet potato burger). They're definitely not a substitute for the real thing but a great middle ground when you're looking to eat more veggies. Plus all of my recipes are cheap, super easy and include a video incase you need to see how exactly how I made it.
https://richbitchcooking.wordpress.com
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Find and try new vegetable based recipes. Here are some recipes I regularly make:
- ohsheglows.com/2013/03/05/roasted-buddha-bowl/ - I prefer it with the lemon tahini dressing.
- ohsheglows.com/2011/12/14/over-the-rainbow-cabbage-salad-with-tahini-lemon-dressing/
- greencarrotclub.com/?p=557
- ohsheglows.com/2011/05/12/lightened-up-protein-power-goddess-bowl/ - I add a lot more kale.
- thugkitchen.com/post/64577925404/i-really-dont-give-a-damn-that-you-slept-through
- theppk.com/2012/03/pesto-risotto-with-roasted-zucchini/
- foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/toasted-israeli-couscous-salad-with-grilled-summer-vegetables-recipe2.html - I use a lot less oil and add more vegetables. Do not make the dressing as written; it's way too oily.
- foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/chickpea-salad-recipe.html
- budgetbytes.com/2014/05/oven-roasted-ratatouille/ - I use extra spices.
- thehealthyhavenblog.com/2012/06/11/sesame-quinoa-spring-rolls/
- foodandwine.com/recipes/roasted-carrot-and-red-quinoa-salad
- oatmealwithafork.com/2013/11/01/easy-slow-cooker-split-pea-soup-vegan/
- oneperfectbite.blogspot.com/2011/11/oven-roasted-cauliflower.html#.UcH__-sYKfQ
- theppk.com/2010/07/eggplant-potato-moussaka-with-pine-nut-cream/
- https://peppertree.wordpress.com/2008/02/15/lemony-roasted-potatoes/
- foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-carrots-recipe.html
- budgetbytes.com/2015/05/curried-potatoes-with-poached-eggs/
- smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/06/broccoli-parmesan-fritters/
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Thank you all!! I will be visiting many different sites now to jot down some recipes to try out..0
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I am also super picky when it comes to veggies. I don't even like lettuce therefore I don't eat salads. Spinach leaf salads are alright but not something I love. I like green beans, peas, carrots, brocolli and tomatoes, but only cooked! My veggies always have to be cooked and I usually incorporate my brocolli with chicken and cheese (in moderation of course) to make it even better. Soup is an easy eay for me to sneak veggies in. I made kale chips the other day and they were pretty good. I baked carrot sticks with ranch seasoning on them...yum!1
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One word: tempura
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Make veggies feel like something else. I make rutabaga "french fries" They look like fries. I also do a lot of baking root veggies (w/ olive oil and season) and steaming veggies (w/ olive oil and seasoning). Also, putting fruit on your salad makes it seam less, rabbity. Add some berries, grapes, apple, pear or pineapple. Makes it easier to skip the dressings too!0
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There is hope for you yet! I was not a veggie fan and now I find myself craving them.
If you're making salad try adding what you already like.- Make a taco salad and add some sour cream and cheese. I think you'll find yourself adding less and less fixings.- Add cranberries and croutons, or tortilla strips to your chicken salads. Try seasoning your veggies with some garlic and maybe adding some Motzarella cheese over them until you acquire a taste for the veggie itself. 0 -
Try vegetables cooked different ways like roasted or grilled. Try different combinations like green beans and tomatoes, broccolli, mushrooms and garlic, potatoes and peas.
Put them in soup, stew, curry, sauces, stir fries, casseroles or on pizza.
Chop fine and mix with ground meat for burgers, meatloaf or meatballs.
Add to sandwiches or wraps. Try lettuce wraps.
Stuff things into hollowed out cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini
Try zucchini noodles.
Try pickled vegetables.
Pinterest is a great place for food ideas.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10270725/things-to-go-in-salads/p1
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Roasted veggies are my favorite foods. I've found that if you use non-stick aluminum foil, you can get away with hardly using any oil at all (maybe 1/2 - 1 tsp for a whole pan). Roasting works for almost all veg; my faves include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, zucchini & other types of squash, carrots, and green beans. Seriously, I always tell everyone that if you don't like a vegetable, try it roasted. Case in point: I always thought I hated Brussels sprouts. Tried them roasted, and now I DREAM about roasted Brussels sprouts and I could seriously eat them at every meal. So so so good!
Another way I like veg: chopped salads. So much better than regular salads. Everything is chopped up super fine (or use the shredder on your food processor), add a little dressing, and voila. I don't know why, but chopped salads changed the salad game for me as well.0 -
I do a couple of things.
First, I try to sneak more into what I'm already eating. If I make tuna salad, I'll throw in a ton of celery. I swap out some spaghetti for broccoli slaw and throw on some marinara (I like the crunch). Maybe even grate some carrot into the marinara.
Second, my husband and I will pick a veggie (seasonal) and then try to eat it a couple of times a week and make an effort to find some way to fix it that we like. We'll try roasting, steaming, grilling, different sauces, etc. We have really expanded our veggies this way and look forward to them.0 -
Add butter! And I second the roasting (with some olive oil ). Also, keep trying. We can retrain our taste buds, but we need to keep trying and tasting.0
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See mine is a texture problem. I find most veggies especially lettuce I have a texture issue with.0
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Another vote for roasting!!!
Also, add bite sized veggies to everything. When I make rice or barley, I cook frozen peas and corn in with it. I mix zoodles in with noodles. I put chopped celery, onion, and peppers in tuna, salmon, or chicken salad. Stir fry - a protein with veggies and sauce. I throw chopped veggies into scrambled eggs. Do you like marinara sauce? First, that counts! Second, steamed veggies mixed with a little marinara and a Laughing Cow garlic and herb cheese wedge is yummy. Once you get started, you'll find other ways that work for you. And once you start eating them this way, it will help your taste buds start moving in the right direction
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1) Marinated
2) Spiced (there's SO many sodium free spice blends out there, the Mrs. Dash ones are popular)
3) Roasted (when they start to brown a little, the flavor is incredible)
4) Grilled (yummy smoky flavor)
5) Pureed (in soups and sauces. Carrots, Beets, Spinach, Pumpkin, Bnut/Acorn Squash, and Potatoes are excellent for this)0 -
Might I also add, it helps to get fresh pre-cut veggies from the produce section. Or have frozen ones on hand. For the lazy days, when you want to eat healthy but you don't have the time for washing and trimming.1
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nuttynanners wrote: »Might I also add, it helps to get fresh pre-cut veggies from the produce section. Or have frozen ones on hand. For the lazy days, when you want to eat healthy but you don't have the time for washing and trimming.
This is so true. My freezer is full of bags of frozen chopped veggies!0 -
I was never a big salad fan, but eventually grew to love it. However, you don't have to salad to get more vegetables!
Pureed vegetable soups are heavenly, and they kinda make you feel like you're eating a heavy, creamy item. I make pureed cauliflower soup with a potato or two (adds creaminess), and just a little mild and cheese. And you can pack in other vegetables - I use a lot of celery and onion in there too. I make this when I want comfort foods. So good, and it usually comes out to 150-250 calories per bowl.
Add marinara sauce (which also counts as a vegetable). Chicken and broccoli roasted and topped with marinara is great, and low cal enough to add some cheese! (I'm big on cheese.)
Add finely chopped mushrooms, onion, garlic, carrot, etc. to meatloaf or burger patties. Spinach, hot pepper, and garlic mixed in with ground chicken or beef is great, and adds some moisture if your meat is really lean. You can also 'hide' vegetables in chili, eggs/omelets, quesadillas.0 -
i love cooking veggies with a little olive oil, and garlic powder, maake sure not to over cook though, and i made zoodles (zucchini noodles) last night for the first time, sososo good, i made chicken baked in italian dressing to put on top, it was great, hubby and kids liked it too0
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Think of it as an acquired taste, I didn't just pour a glass of Scotch and say yum the first time but I do now. I didn't like them because they were cooked boring. Now I can't get enough. I like them roasted in a cast iron skillet or pan roasted in the oven. Roasting seems to give the flavor and texture that I prefer. Use some olive oil and add some spices or pepper. Use several instead of only one to mix it up. On a recent shopping trip my wife was picking up some things at the store and the clerk commented "you eat really healthy" looking at all the produce in the cart. What the clerk didn't know was that she had just come from the produce stand down the street and had more bags of it in the car. When we shop the cart has fresh produce ( a lot), a little meat and beer & wine.0
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There are very few vegetables that I enjoy eating, and there are very few salads that I'll actually eat. My favorite is a spinach salad loaded up with chicken, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, feta, almond slivers, and lemon juice instead of dressing. Those flavors really overpower what little taste the spinach leaves have. It's more of a texture issue with me, so plain lettuce or lettuce loaded with more crunchy veggies just isn't going to happen. I'll also do a lightened up chicken caesar salad or taco salad from time to time, but I don't do it often because I get sick of it really quickly.
These days I stick to hiding the vegetables in other things. Yes, I'm a child, but whatever works. Spinach is the easiest - I put it on sandwiches, in casseroles/omelets, in pasta dishes, in smoothies, etc.
I also make a scramble with shredded hash browns, grated zucchini, and cauliflower rice. I add bacon or ham and season the hell out of it. It tastes way more like potatoes than zucchini or cauliflower. I put 1-2 eggs on top and let the yolk run over the potatoes, then top with cheese. It's surprisingly low calorie for the large amount of food you get.
Cauliflower and zucchini are very mild in flavor, so they're great for bulking up a lot of dishes. Even oatmeal. I've made zucchini oats (zoats) and cauliflower oats many times to get more volume for very few extra carbs. I hate mashed cauliflower, but if you do half potatoes and half pureed cauliflower, it tastes much better.0 -
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Parmesan roasted anything tastes good. Really. My kids eat anything I roast with parm.0
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There have been a number of great suggestions made above. I think the key is to seek out recipes that provide the flavor you enjoy. Adding a few calories may prove well worth the better taste.
In addition, try to focus on veggies that are fresh and seasonal as much as possible. Asparagus that is seasonal at the farmer's market tastes so much better IMO.0 -
endlessfall16 wrote: »One word: tempura
Ohhh yes plzzzzz.0 -
Well for taco Tuesday (or any other taco night), you can substitute the tortillas for lettuce wraps. Bibb lettuce and romaine is fantastic for this!
On burger night, you can substitute burger buns for lettuce buns! Just cut an iceberg lettuce like you would a loaf of bread.
Also I saute zucchini, carrot, and bell pepper until soft, and blend in ablender. Add it into a tomato meat sauce. Serve over spaghett and no one will know you're serving them veggies!1
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