Add More Vegetables to Your Day — 10 Tips (Printable) | MyPlate

It's easy to eat more vegetables. Eating vegetables is important because they provide vitamins and minerals and most are low in calories. To fit more vegetables in your day, try them as snacks and add them to your favorite meals.

Add More Vegetables to Your Day

It's easy to eat more vegetables. Eating vegetables is important because they provide vitamins and minerals and most are low in calories. To fit more vegetables in your day, try them as snacks and add them to your favorite meals.

1. Discover fast ways to cook

Cook fresh or frozen vegetables in the microwave for a quick-and-easy dish to add to any meal. Steam green beans, carrots, or broccoli in a bowl with a small amount of water in the microwave for a quick side dish.

2. Be ahead of the game

Cut up a batch of bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Store them in the refrigerator so they are ready when you need them. Add them to a salad, stir-fry, or snack on them with a low-fat dip.

3. Choose vegetables rich in color

Brighten your plate with vegetables that are red, orange, or dark green. They are full of vitamins and minerals. Try acorn squash, cherry tomatoes, sweet potatoes, or collard greens.

4. Check the freezer aisle

Frozen vegetables are quick and easy to use and are just as nutritious as fresh. Stir-fry a frozen blend of vegetables for a quick meal — buy packages without high-fat sauces or added salt.

5. Stock up on veggies

Canned vegetables are a great addition to any meal, so keep on hand canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn. Select those labeled as reduced sodium, low sodium, or no salt added.

6. Make your garden salad glow with color

Brighten your salad by using colorful vegetables such as black beans, sliced red bell peppers, shredded radishes, chopped red cabbage, or watercress. Your salad will not only look good but taste good, too.

7. Sip on some vegetable soup

Heat it and eat it. Try tomato, butternut squash, or garden vegetable soup. Look for reduced- or low-sodium soups to keep sodium in check.

8. While you're out

If dinner is away from home, no need to worry. When ordering, ask for an extra side of vegetables or a side salad instead of the typical fried side dish.

9. Savor the flavor of seasonal vegetables

Buy vegetables that are in season for maximum flavor at a lower cost. Check your local supermarket specials for the best in-season buys, or visit your local farmers market.

10. Vary your veggies

Choose a new vegetable — add one you've never tried before to a recipe. You may find a new favorite. Trade recipes with friends to keep things interesting.

Keep exploring

Recipes Meal Plans Quizzes Calculator Food Groups