Eat More Veggies :: Meals That Make It Easy

Now that we’re moving into the summer season it’s a perfect time to cash in on the abundance of fresh produce in the farmer’s markets and move your family toward eating more veggies. Here are 10 meal ideas that make it easy to load up!

1.  Make your own pizza

Homemade pizzas are a great option for families.  Pre-chop a few bowls full of veggie options, then let everyone pile them on top. Some good ones are spinach, olives, red/orange/yellow or green peppers, garlic, summer squash, zucchini, broccolli, tomatoes and onions.

2.  Veggie stuffed potatoes

Bake potatoes, carve out the insides and toss with sourcream and chives.  Then load up the potato pockets with prediced veggies of your choice and top with potato and sour cream mash.

3.  Personal Crudite

Cut up a platter of raw veggies with a healthy dip and put it in your fridge for easy snacking all day long.

4.  Go Italian

Many italian dishes are great candidates for upping the veggie component-- try adding chopped veggies to spaghetti sauce, layering chopped veggies in a lasagna or rotating eggplant parm into your weekly meal plan.

5. Stirfry

Stirfry is an excellent veggie-loaded meal.  Experiment with homemade simple stirfry sauces to give your dishes extra appeal.

6.  Veggie soups

Soups like spicy minestrone, mexican vegetable tortilla soup, veggie lentil, or miso with vegetables and crusty garlic bread make a satisfying vegetarian meal.

7.  Quesadillas

These can be doctored up to include layers of chopped veggies in between the cheese and beans– excellent ones are red bell pepper, spinach, corn and onion.

8.  Wraps

A veggie wrap is a great lunch idea that works well on the go. Spread some cream cheese down and then layer with sliced or julienne cut veggies like broccolli, cabbage, beets, carrot or cauliflower.

9.  Smoothies

Smoothies are a fantastic way to fit fresh fruits and veggies in.  Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach,  swiss chard or watercress can be blended with frozen fruit and water for a quick, satisfying and super-healthy drink that feels like a meal.

10.  Omeletes

Omeletes are a delicious meal idea any time of the day.  Pack your eggs with fresh veggies and herbs, toss with some cheese and you’re ready to go. Packed with protein, nutrients and fiber, this is an excellent start to your day.

What’s your favorite meal that loads up the veggies?