Eat Your Veggies

Vegetables are an integral part of a healthy diet. Not only are they packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but they are also low in calories. Just how many vegetables a person needs every day depends on several factors but it's safe to say that most people do not get enough in their diet. Perhaps you've heard of a government campaign called the "5 A Day" program which promoted eating 5 fruits and/or vegetables a day. It has recently been replaced with a Fruits & Veggies- More Matters TM campaign (Check it out at: FruitsandVeggiesMatter.gov ) because 5 may not be enough for some people and frankly, it's hard to over do it on vegetables. More is better. However it's not easy getting in even 5 servings a day (1 serving is 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup fresh veggies). I find the best way to get in enough vegetables is to add them to foods I already eat. It's much easier to throw some extra veggies on top of your sandwich then to try to incorporate plain veggies into your diet as snacks or sides, especially if you're not too keen on the taste. Below are my tips on sneaking extra veggies into your diet.

Top Ten Ways To Sneak More Veggies Into Your Diet
1. Put bell peppers, onion, spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms in your morning omelet.
2. Add bell peppers and onions to hash browns and serve them with a little ketchup or salsa on the side.
3. Make a homemade veggie pizza with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and even broccoli if you're feeling adventurous.
4. Try a veggie quesadilla on a whole wheat tortilla with part skim mozzarella and oven roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and onion.
5. Spice up spaghetti sauce with mushrooms, peppers, onions, zucchini, or diced carrots.
6. Load up your sandwiches with veggies-not just lettuce and tomato but spinach, cucumbers, alfalfa sprouts, bell peppers, and onions.
7. Place a few slices of tomato and spinach on a whole wheat grilled cheese sandwich.
8. Add layers of spinach or eggplant to lasagna.
9. Blend cooked cauliflower or broccoli into mashed potatoes.
10. Add your own extra mixed veggies to store bought soup.