So…I may or may not have a thing for broccoli. To the point that a stalk of broccoli was one of my going away gifts before I moved out to college. So I hope you understand when I say that this just might be my favorite of the healthy resolutions. Okay, maybe they are all my favorite. But I really like vegetables and I love that it is summer time – which means more fresh vegetables available! Which also means this month’s resolution should be pretty easy. At least the finding part should be!

 

The first step to this month’s healthy resolution is to evaluate where you are at. How many servings of vegetables are you getting a day? Women and men aged 19 and older need 2 1/2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day. A cup can look like this:

2 cups of leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale, etc.)
About 10-12 baby carrots or one medium carrot
1 cup of green beans
1 medium red pepper, or one cup chopped
1 cup chopped florets of broccoli or cauliflower
1 large ear of corn or one cup corn kernels 

Now here is the thing – you don’t have to go on eating a whole raw pepper for lunch. There are other ways to incorporate more veggies into your diet. So look at where you’re at and decide what your goal is for this month. Just try to get a little bit more. I promise your body will thank you!

Here are some tips on how to get more veggies in your diet:
– Make an egg omelet for breakfast and use peppers, onions and tomatoes.
– Having turkey burgers or meatloaf for dinner? Grate in some shredded carrots or zucchini.
– Try some vegetable soup to go along with lunch or dinner. It is light but packed with nutrients!
– Puree some cooked cauliflower or sweet peppers into the sauce you are making for your main dish.
– Making a casserole? Double the veggies that are in the recipe. You can’t have too much!
– Add some extra volume to your lunch time sandwich with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and lettuce. 
– Make a green smoothie for breakfast and incorporate plenty of spinach. 
– Say yes to salads, and live a little! Add lots of fresh vegetables on top and be moderate with your dressing. 
– Try new-t0-you vegetables! Head to a local farmers market or sign up for Bountiful Baskets. Once you get something, head to google and search away for a yummy recipe!
– Alter your snack time. Instead of crackers and cheese, try some sliced veggies and cheese or veggies dipped in hummus. 
– Prep ahead of time to make them easy to access. When you come home from the store, take a little extra time to chop up veggies and get them ready to snack on when you are on the go. 

Now go eat some veggies!

Trisha

Related Posts:
Healthy Resolutions
January: Reduce Negative Self Talk
February: Sit Less
March: Up Your Exercise
April: Go Meatless
May: Spend More Time Outside