by Jeremiah Bailleu
Sometime it’s hard to stay motivated to eat your vegetables every day without mom standing over your shoulder forcing you to do it. There are thousands of ways you can prepare your vegetables, we compiled a list of a few that will make it that much easier to fit them into your diet.
Zucchini/Carrot Noodles
For many of you this is a strange concept but we promise that it is worth trying. There is a tool called the Veggetti that you can find in select stores like Target, Walmart, and Bed Bath & Beyond. This tool allows you to twist a zucchini or carrot into it and turn it into noodles instantly. These are a great substitute for spaghetti noodles and can be used in the same recipes. My favorite thing to do is to serve them with grilled chicken and red sauce with parmesan and fresh basil.
Lettuce Wraps
Tacos may be your go-to dish but those tortillas are packed full of calories, 467 calories each to be exact. Try substituting the tortilla for fresh lettuce and use that to wrap the other ingredients up with.
Spaghetti Squash
This is something that is so easy to make it will be part of your weekly routine. Spaghetti squash – or vegetable spaghetti – is only 31 calories per serving and is the perfect replacement for noodles. To prepare, cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and cook it at 400° F for 30-45 minutes, or until tender. For recipes using spaghetti squash, just do a simple search online. I eat mine with olive oil, salt and pepper and butter.
Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potato is packed full of nutritious vitamins and minerals that your body needs. My favorite way to eat them is to slice them into thin pieces and bake them into homemade chips. I toss the slices in olive oil and sea salt before throwing them in the oven at 250° F until crisp and brown. If you’re feeling like they are missing something, sprinkle some cinnamon across the top to give them a little bit of sweetness.
Cauliflower Crust
If you thought making pizza without bread was impossible then get ready for a surprise. Cauliflower crust is becoming increasingly popular for people who want to be healthy but can’t kick their pizza addiction. Simply pulse the cauliflower in a food processor and drain excess liquid. Then heat in the microwave for 4-5 minutes, strain it, stir in egg, mozzarella, parmesan, and seasonings and it is ready to bake. This process takes a few attempts to master but once you do it may even make it to your list of your favorite creations.
