Summertime is full of sunshine, sweet treats, and fresh fruit. But what about vegetables? Vegetables may not be sweet, but they add flavor to our dishes and provide our bodies with many nutrients. With the emphasis on fruits and sweets in the summertime, it can be hard to keep up with our vegetable intake. Here are three easy tips for increasing vegetable consumption in the summertime.
Fresh Salads
If you’re looking for something crunchy, but also something fresh, a salad is the way to go. Salads are customizable for each individual person. You can dress it up or dress it down based on your preferences. To add more color and nutrients to your salad, you can top your romaine or iceberg lettuce with extra veggies such as cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, broccoli, and corn. Other flavor boosters could include cheeses, nuts, or grains. You can add sweetness to it with fresh fruit. You can make it into a more meal inspired entree with ground turkey or beef or keep it light with canned tuna or grilled shrimp.
Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
Summertime is great for grilling and group gatherings. In addition to the hot dogs and hamburgers, roast some vegetables to go alongside your entrée to add more nutrients to your meal. Vegetables that roast well are romaine hearts, asparagus, squash, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower. Chop them up, place them on a sheet pan with some avocado or olive oil, and sprinkle with the seasoning(s) of your choice.
Vegetable Snacks
Vegetable snacks are an easy way to increase your vegetable consumption. Some easy snacks to throw together are carrots and hummus or guacamole, kale chips, celery and peanut butter, buffalo cauliflower bites, or freshly cut bell peppers. You can arrange these on a platter for the kids to enjoy or pack them up time in a sealable bag for a day at the pool. Our favorite way to get kids inspired to eat a rainbow is to put all of these items into a muffin tin!
There are endless ways to incorporate vegetables into your routine. Be creative, add variety, and enjoy all the flavors!