So it's dinner time again, which means that the battle to get your kids to eat their veggies has also commenced. For some of us, that battle is with our significant others, or even ourselves! Whether we like to admit it or not, most of us don't like eating our greens. Therefor, it only makes sense that we come up with a list of ways to sneak them into meals so that non-veggie lovers never see them coming.
1. Puree them into sauces
Whether the sauce is a cream-based or tomato-based sauce, greens can often times be pureed and stirred in without notice. They may add some green color to your dish, but you definitely won't be tasting them. Try this technique with spinach, kale, and broccoli.
2. Use cauliflower, not cream
Cauliflower lends itself well to many types of preparations; especially, in place of creamy sauces! Puree cauliflower with a touch of milk, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper- and you have yourself a wonderfully healthy 'Alfredo sauce'. The whole subbing them in place of potatoes is also a genius idea, which works wonderfully!
3. Drink your greens
It really is true, kale and spinach are delectable in smoothies! If you don't believe us, just try it! One way to keep them from clumping up and being noticed, is to use a food processor or blender to mince the greens very fine before blending into a smoothie. Kale and spinach go beautifully with apple and pineapple!
4. Scramble 'em up
Veggies are delightful in the morning- well maybe not on their own. However, whip them up in some scrambled eggs and you've got yourself a hearty and delicious breakfast!
5. Use them to stretch you dollar
Adding veggies to taco meat, spaghetti sauce, and even meatloaf is a undetectable way to amp up your veggie intake and keep your wallet a little fatter.
6. Make chips
Ever wondered if kale chips are really all they're cracked up to be? They are! You'd be shocked at how delicious and easy to make these things are. Simply cut kale into bite-sized pieces, toss in oil, season with salt and pepper and bake on a sheet tray until crispy! You can also buy these pre-made in a variety of flavors! Eggplant chips are yummy too!
7. Sneak them in treats
If you find yourself with a hankering for baked goods, make sure yours are laced with tons of veggies! Some great choices are zucchini bread and carrot spiced muffins! You won't even notice them!
Now that you're armed with a few more ways to sneak veggies into your diet, go forth and eat your greens! Remember, 9-12 cups of vegetables per day is optimal (maybe not realistic, but optimal). At least now, you have a few tips to get your on your way.
Melissa Stoner R.D., C.P.T.
Registered Dietitian
Certified Personal Trainer
Professional Chef
www.TasteofHealthOnline.com
1. Puree them into sauces
Whether the sauce is a cream-based or tomato-based sauce, greens can often times be pureed and stirred in without notice. They may add some green color to your dish, but you definitely won't be tasting them. Try this technique with spinach, kale, and broccoli.
2. Use cauliflower, not cream
Cauliflower lends itself well to many types of preparations; especially, in place of creamy sauces! Puree cauliflower with a touch of milk, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper- and you have yourself a wonderfully healthy 'Alfredo sauce'. The whole subbing them in place of potatoes is also a genius idea, which works wonderfully!
3. Drink your greens
It really is true, kale and spinach are delectable in smoothies! If you don't believe us, just try it! One way to keep them from clumping up and being noticed, is to use a food processor or blender to mince the greens very fine before blending into a smoothie. Kale and spinach go beautifully with apple and pineapple!
4. Scramble 'em up
Veggies are delightful in the morning- well maybe not on their own. However, whip them up in some scrambled eggs and you've got yourself a hearty and delicious breakfast!
5. Use them to stretch you dollar
Adding veggies to taco meat, spaghetti sauce, and even meatloaf is a undetectable way to amp up your veggie intake and keep your wallet a little fatter.
6. Make chips
Ever wondered if kale chips are really all they're cracked up to be? They are! You'd be shocked at how delicious and easy to make these things are. Simply cut kale into bite-sized pieces, toss in oil, season with salt and pepper and bake on a sheet tray until crispy! You can also buy these pre-made in a variety of flavors! Eggplant chips are yummy too!
7. Sneak them in treats
If you find yourself with a hankering for baked goods, make sure yours are laced with tons of veggies! Some great choices are zucchini bread and carrot spiced muffins! You won't even notice them!
Now that you're armed with a few more ways to sneak veggies into your diet, go forth and eat your greens! Remember, 9-12 cups of vegetables per day is optimal (maybe not realistic, but optimal). At least now, you have a few tips to get your on your way.
Melissa Stoner R.D., C.P.T.
Registered Dietitian
Certified Personal Trainer
Professional Chef
www.TasteofHealthOnline.com