5 Painless Ways to Eat More Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are widely regarded as some of the healthiest foods on the planet. They are packed with nutrients and vitamins that are essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Despite being aware of their numerous benefits, most people still struggle to incorporate them into their diets. In this article, we will discuss five painless ways to eat more green leafy vegetables.

1. Toss them in a smoothie

Smoothies are a popular and easy way to consume fruits and vegetables. By adding a handful of spinach or romaine to your smoothie, you can easily mask the taste of the greens while enjoying their health benefits. Start with a frozen mixture of bananas and berries and gradually increase the amount of green leafy vegetables as you adjust to the taste.

2. Replace your potato chips with green chips!

Kale chips are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato chips. Simply tear up kale or collard greens, toss them in oil, salt, and lemon juice, and bake them at 300 degrees for 25 minutes. Experiment with different flavors such as honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to find your favorite.

3. Wilt them!

If eating a plate full of raw green leafy vegetables seems overwhelming, consider wilting them. This cooking method helps to retain most of the nutrients and provides a more manageable form for consumption. Add raw greens to hot pasta after it is drained, or steaming rice. Arugula and spinach are great for wilting and adding color and flavor to your dishes. Mustard and dandelion greens are also excellent for adding a zing of taste. Don’t forget to add your favorite herbs and spices to keep your dishes interesting!

4. Make soup!

Soup is a fantastic way to add green leafy vegetables to your diet. Kale and spinach are great in Italian soups, while mustard greens add flavor to bean broths. Swiss chard is also a great addition to vegan borscht. The amount of greens you add should depend on the recipe and your taste preference.

5. Re-examine your seasonings.

Many herbs, including parsley, dill, and mint, are also green leafy vegetables. These herbs not only add flavor to your dishes but also provide valuable nutrients that often go overlooked. Add them to your cooking with abandon to reap all the benefits. Try adding two teaspoons of thyme to your dishes for 60% of your daily vitamin K needs, along with 20% of your iron, all for just 7 calories. Two tablespoons of parsley provide 150% of your daily value of vitamin K, along with 15% vitamin C and 10% vitamin A.

In conclusion, incorporating green leafy vegetables into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. By using these tips, you can make it a painless and enjoyable experience. Try them out today and let us know which one worked best for you!