It can be difficult to find healthy affordable food, especially vegetables. Vegetables should be one of the main items on our plates, but many of us find them unattractive compared to the others options available. For those who find it difficult to eat vegetables, these are a few simple ideas to make them delicious!
1) At the beginning of the week buy all of your favorite vegetables. Properly cut and store all of them, so they are ready to use when you are ready to eat. Also, don’t forget you can freeze them!
2) When eating out, try a vegetarian dish, or ask if vegetables can be added on the side or tossed in a dish. It may cost extra but the meal will be more fulfilling, and you can take any leftovers home.
3) Buy canned or microwavable vegetables. After cooking, sprinkle your favorite seasoning or sauce on them, or add them to your favorite casserole. I mix green beans in my chicken casserole, or I add dried Italian dressing to them while they cook. Also, I love Green Giant’s frozen broccoli and cheese. I microwave it and pour it over a baked (or microwaved) potato.
4) Buy a premade salad. I buy the Caesar salad to go (and a low fat dressing) from Au Bon Pain. It only has cheese, croutons, and chicken, so I toss in my ready-to-go vegetables.
5) Make an omelet. I load mine with spinach leaves, baby tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onions. Also a little bit of cheese and bacon, of course.
6) Make a veggie pizza. Buy premade dough (whole wheat if you are feeling extra healthy), and roll it out as directed. Add low sodium tomato sauce and all the veggies you love. Bake the pizza according to the directions on the container. Add the cheese after it is cooked about three-fourths of the way, or the cheese will burn. I used bell peppers (orange and green for color), mushrooms, garlic, tomatoes, onions, and artichoke hearts. Experiment with different vegetables and cheeses for surprising flavors. The price of fresh vegetables can be high, especially when you’re on a college budget. Split the cost with friends and make it a girls’ night. We fed four people with our pizza, and it was a hit with everyone!
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