10 Ways to Add More Vegetables to Your Diet

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than three quarters of Americans aren’t taking advantage of what veggies have to offer – most folks just aren’t eating enough of them. Multiple servings a day might seem daunting but when you realize that one serving is only a measly ½ cup (or 1 cup of greens like lettuce or spinach) it suddenly doesn’t seem so unattainable. Eating your veggies shouldn’t be painful or even unpleasant – here are 10 ways to love them.
Green Goddess Dip

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It's not just kids who push peas around their plate! A new report from the Centers for Disease Control says more than three-quarters of Americans aren't eating enough veggies. Five servings a day might seem daunting, but one serving is only a measly 1/2 cup (or 1 cup of greens like lettuce and spinach). Eating your veggies shouldn’t be painful or even unpleasant – here are 10 ways to love them.

1. Sandwich Stackers

Instead of just lettuce and tomato, load up sandwiches with crunchy sliced cucumber or thin strips of bell pepper.

2. Soup's On

You can get a day’s worth of veggies by blending them into soup. Try these healthy and fast soup recipes.

3. Go Green

Sautéed greens like spinach, Swiss chard or kale make delightful pizza toppers.

4. Dippers

Munch on baby carrots and celery with peanut butter, hummus or green goddess dip.

5. Spread It On

Keep a batch of eggplant spread on hand for a flavorful and light sandwich topping.

6. Simple Salads

Make it a house rule to always have some sort of salad with dinner – a bowl of cherry tomatoes or some sliced cucumber counts!

7. Eat With the Seasons!

Hit up the farmers’ market and try a new veggie each week.

8. Rise and Shine

Don’t forget about vegetables at breakfast! Add your favorites to omelets, egg sandwiches, or bagels with cream cheese.

9. Get Saucy

Just like soups, tomato sauce counts too! Learn tips to make your own or use our test test results to shop for the healthiest options.

10. Primavera

Add bite-sized pieces of roasted zucchini, onion, butternut squash, peppers or broccoli to pasta and enjoy hot or cold.

TELL US: How do you like to get your veggies?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

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