Only about 25% of adults get enough vegetables in a day – if you don’t include French fries, that is.
There are tons of reasons people don’t eat vegetables, but today I’m more concerned with how people can start eating more vegetables easily.
Everyone likes quick and easy food, but you can make it happen without resorting to a greasy burger and fries – I promise.
Here are five quick options to inspire you to eat healthier when you’re short on time:
1. Buy a salad spinner. Wash your lettuce for salad and store in the spinner. It is so helpful to have lettuce clean and ready to use. The spinner will keep your lettuce dry and fresh for at least a week. Add your favorite veggies for a side salad and a protein (meat, egg, nuts) to have a complete and healthy meal.
2. Get baby carrots and pair them with individual serving size containers of hummus or guacamole for nutrient-dense snacks.
3. Pick up bags of microwaveable frozen vegetables and pair it with a protein and whole grain for simple dinners. Fresh is always better, but frozen vegetables are better than no vegetables at all.
4. Cut up a bunch of vegetables – like cucumbers, carrots, jacima, and celery – and pair with nut butter for quick, filling snacks all week. Experiment with different nut butters - there are so many!
5. Prep a large tray of roasted vegetables on Sundays and pair with eggs at breakfast, greens at lunch, and grains at dinner. (To prepare roasted veggies simply cut up your favorite veggies in medium to large chunks. Spread out on a cookie sheet, rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and/or your favorite spices. Cook in the oven at 375 degrees to desired doneness. EASY! )
Taking the time to buy some ready-to-eat vegetables and prepping fresh produce is so worth it.
Eating habits can be challenging to change, but when you shift your mindset and view eating as an incredible act of self-care, it becomes second-nature. Your meals will go from quick acts of fueling to enjoyable acts of love that change your life and improve your energy and focus.