Easy Ways to Sneak Vegetables Into Your Meals

We all know that vegetables are good for us, every diet on the planet encourages people to increase their vegetable consumption yet doing so can be incredibly difficult for a lot of people. We get it; we’ve been there. Why have a side of cauliflower or Brussels sprouts when you can have some deep friend chips or some mac and cheese or some potato bake or some mozzarella sticks… sorry let me wipe the drool of my chin.

Back to the point, vegetables are low in fat, low in calories and high in fiber. Some vegetables also have a surprising amount of protein too, which means they will fill you up and keep you fuller for longer. Finding ways to incorporate vegetables into your meals isn’t just about tricking the kids; it’s more about creating healthier meals for your entire family.

And the best part…. It’s easier than you think to do. We have scoped the Internet and tried various ways of sneaking more vegetables into meals and we think you are going to like these tips and tricks!

Use Vegetables Instead of Pasta

My gosh, if my Nonna heard me now she would grab that wooden spoon! But seriously, this is an incredibly easy way of getting more vegetables into your diet. Cook up a spaghetti squash or use spiraled zucchini, carrots or sweet potato! If you want an extra vegetable boost then we also recommend hiding some onion, mushrooms, capsicum and zucchini into your pasta sauce, you will be amazed at the extra flavor these ingredients bring in.

Fancy up Those Casseroles Ladies

Next time your doing a casserole for dinner, grab your grate and start incorporating some grated zucchini, squash, carrots, cauliflower or even sweet potatoes! These vegetables will not change the texture of your casserole, they will simply add more nutritional value and also some more flavor!

Veggie-Up Your Mac and Cheese

I know… did that sentence almost make you fall of your chair! It did to us at first also, like what did this lady just say? Vegetables… in mac and cheese? I don’t think so! But you will be pleasantly surprised just like we were. Pasta dishes such as mac and cheese are creamy and comforting but they are also a great opportunity to add a serving of vegetables. Go for soft vegetables such as tomatoes, squash or cauliflower or try thinly sliced kale, spinach, capsicum, broccoli or onions. Our favorite was definitely onion and cauliflower but give them a go and see what you think!

Go 50/50 With Those Mash Potatoes

Next time your making some mashed potatoes, instead of using purely white potatoes use half white potatoes and half vegetable puree. Make your puree with vegetables such as sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower or parsnip. Also if you are trying to watch those calories, ditch the cream and butter and opt for some almond milk and heavy seasoning.

Get Those Fritters Going

A super easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your breakfast meals is by thinking ahead and cooking up a fritter. If you are not familiar with fritters or are lacking some healthy inspiration, check out SkinnyMs’s Crispy Quinoa and Kale Fritter Recipe, it has become one of our new favorites!

Add Vegetables To Your Smoothie

Smoothies are a great idea for breakfast or an afternoon snack and one way to make them even better, incorporate some vegetables. Now we’re not saying throw in a whole cauliflower with your mixed berries as that probably won’t taste the nicest but vegetables such as kale and spinach make an excellent addition!