Eating enough vegetables can be quite a challenge for many people. With busy lifestyles and the convenience of fast food, it’s easy to overlook the importance of incorporating a variety of veggies into your meals.
Sometimes, it feels like a daunting task to get your daily servings, especially when you’re surrounded by so many tempting options that aren’t plant-based. Plus, if you’re not used to eating a lot of greens, it can be tough to figure out how to prepare them in a way that’s both tasty and satisfying. It often requires a bit of planning and creativity in the kitchen to make vegetables a regular part of your diet, which can be a hurdle for those who are just starting to focus on healthier eating habits.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get more veggies in your diet, look no further!
Smoothies are a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your meals without even noticing. Blending them with fruits and other ingredients masks their taste while still packing in all the nutrients. It’s an easy and delicious method to boost your daily vegetable intake.
Plus, smoothies are super versatile. You can mix and match different veggies and fruits to keep things interesting, and they’re perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a refreshing snack, smoothies make it simple to enjoy your vegetables!
Here are 6 nutrient-rich veggies you can sneak into your smoothies (either for yourself or your kids) and not even taste.
1. Cauliflower
- Use raw or cooked cauliflower, up to 1 cup
- Bland taste and easy to mask with chocolate or vanilla and a variety of fruit flavors
- Pro tip: use frozen riced cauliflower for easy blending
- Try: Creamy Cinnamon Roll Cauliflower Smoothie
2. Spinach or Kale
- Fresh leafy greens work best
- Add 1-2 handfuls per smoothie without changing the taste
- Mix with yellow, orange or green fruits to keep the smoothie “green”
- Mixing with berries may yield a “brown” though tasty smoothie
- Try: Green Pineapple Avocado Smoothie
3. Sweet Potatoes
- Cook before adding into smoothies
- Great for seasonal fall-flavors
- Pairs well with spiced (think cinnamon), chocolate or vanilla flavors
- Try: Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie
4. Carrots
- Use raw carrots or get chopped frozen ones
- For raw carrots use a high powered blender, or chop them to help with blending
- Mixes well with tropical or citrus fruits
- Try: Healthy Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie
5. Beets
- Use raw beets, canned, or roast your own
- Pair well with citrus fruits or berries
- Try: Beet Berry Power Smoothie Bowl
6. Avocados
Ok technically avocados are a fruit, but they're nutritionally more like a veggie being high in fiber and low in sugar. They make your smoothies thick and creamy and mix well with most fruits.
Try: Green Pineapple Avocado Smoothie or Green Keto Avo Smoothie
Incorporating more vegetables into your diet can be made easy and enjoyable through smoothies, which allow you to blend a variety of nutrient-rich veggies with fruits for a healthy and convenient meal option, especially for breakfast. This approach not only helps boost your daily vegetable intake but also adds versatility to your eating habits, making healthy choices more accessible.
By: Scarlett Full, in-house Registered Dietitian