WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
We all know we should eat more veggies, but sometimes the idea of trying to snack on raw broccoli or eating that one vegetable you always avoided as a kid is … not appealing. Lucky for you, when done right, veggies can be flavorful, delicious and might just become your favorite part of mealtime.
Keep reading for simple tips and strategies to completely change your veggie game — no fancy chef skills required.
Serving Strategies That Make Veggies Shine
The best way to begin incorporating veggies into your meals is with quick, low-effort additions that don’t require extra cooking.
Carrots, broccoli, celery and other veggies can be paired with hummus, ranch, peanut butter or yogurt dips to add even more yummy flavor.
If you’re not big on raw veggies, start small. Add a handful of spinach to your morning smoothie or toss some shredded carrots into muffins or pancakes. You’ll hardly notice they’re there, but your body will thank you.
You can also start adding them to meals already in your rotation! Here are a few ideas:
- Give tacos a boost of nutrients and fiber by adding diced bell peppers or onions to your protein base.
- Try adding spinach or zucchini to your pasta sauce for a sneaky serving of veggies.
- Layer roasted vegetables onto sandwiches or wraps for extra crunch, color and flavor.
Pro tip: Fresh, frozen or canned — all vegetables count! Choose what fits your schedule and budget.
Cooking Strategies That Boost Flavor
The way you cook your veggies plays a huge part in their flavor! Here are a few cooking tips that anyone can do and require minimal effort:
- Roast for Sweetness: Roasting brings out natural caramelization — perfect for carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
- Sauté for Speed: Toss veggies in a little olive oil and season lightly for a fast and flavorful addition.
- Grill or Smoke for Depth: Add an irresistible charred flavor, even to zucchini or peppers.
- Air Fry for Crunch: Great for crispy veggies without frying oil.
- Steam or Boil Smart: Light steaming keeps color and crunch, especially for green beans or broccoli.
Not sure where to start? Try roasting a big sheet pan of mixed veggies on Sunday and use them throughout the week — toss them in salads, wraps or rice bowls. It’s one of the easiest ways to make healthy eating feel effortless.
Pro tip: Want to cut down on bitterness? Try roasting at high heat or adding a squeeze of lemon after cooking.
Texture Tricks That Change Everything
Playing with the texture of your vegetables is a great way to change things up so you don’t fall into a rut. Potatoes can be pureed and added to soups to create a creamy texture. Peppers and onions can be sautéed until they’re tender-crisp and added to stir-fries. Raw veggies can be added to smoothies or salsas for a fresh twist.
Pro tip: If mushy veggies weren’t your thing as a kid, try cooking them just until they’re fork-tender — not too soft!
Simple Ways To Make Veggies a Habit
Building new habits can be tough, but with a little extra prep and the right mindset, you’ll be eating more veggies in no time!
Here are a few tips that make it easier than ever to make nutrient-packed, balanced meals:
- Keep washed, ready-to-eat veggies at eye level in the fridge for easy snacking.
- Add one new veggie to your weekly grocery list.
- Try “veggie nights” — simple, themed dinners like stir-fry night or taco night.
- Celebrate small wins — eating more veggies in any form counts toward better health.
Pro tip: Prep once, enjoy twice. If you’re already cutting vegetables for dinner, slice a few extras for tomorrow’s lunch or snack. Little shortcuts like that make it easier to stay consistent, even on busy nights. Small steps make a huge difference!
Use These Tips To Make Veggies the Best Part of the Meal
We know, we know. We sound like your mom, but it’s true! It doesn’t take fancy tools or special skills to turn veggies into the star of the show. It just takes a little bit of practice!
Try experimenting with the methods and strategies you’ve learned here to discover your favorites. If you need more inspiration, check out our recipe page for easy, veggie-packed ideas! You’ve got this!