I used to have a love/hate relationship with vegetables.  Mostly, I hated the taste and texture of many veggies, but I knew I was suppose to eat them.  So maybe it was more of a forced-love/hate relationship.  :)  In fact, when I started this blog, I would openly say, “I hate vegetables."

 

But over time, I learned that it’s not the vegetables’ fault – it was just how I was preparing them.  I was selecting the ‘usual suspects’ – broccoli and green beans – and preparing them in the blandest way possible. 

 

If you shudder at the thought of veg, never fear!  Here are easy ways that I’ve learned to make your veggies yummy.  And it’s true – your taste bud really do mature and change, so if you hated something before, try again.

 

Love ‘Em Method #1:  Roasting

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Roasting vegetables is the best way to prepare many veggies, in my opinion.  Roasting caramelizes the skin, especially when you drizzle the veggies in olive oil or even maple syrup before cooking.  Here’s my method for roasted veggies.  My favorite vegetables to roast:  potatoes, carrots, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, onions, and parsnips.  Yum, yum. 

 

Love ‘Em Method #2: Add Cheese or Hummus

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Adding cheese or hummus is a great way to boost steamed veggies, which tend to be the vegetables that I hate the most (so bland).  The little Laughing Cow wedges are especially super easy to mix into hot steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or kale.

 

Love ‘Em Method #3:  Add Spinach to Smoothie

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Known as the Green Monster throughout the blog world, green smoothies are an AWESOME way to eat spinach (or kale).  And although it looks strange, I PROMISE that it tastes good.  Some Green Monster recipes for your blender:

 

For regular GMs:

 

  • 1 cup almond milk (or other milk)
  • 2 cups packed raw spinach
  • 1 ripe banana (frozen)

 

For Chocolate Cherry Bomb GMs:

 

  • 1 cup almond milk (or other milk)
  • 2 cups packed raw spinach
  • 1 ripe banana (frozen)
  • 1/2 cup frozen cherries
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate sauce or powder

 

Love ‘Em Method #4: Stir-fry

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To make a successful stir-fry, you really need a great wok.  Woks are affordable at places like TJ Maxx or Mashalls! For a super simple stir-fry, cook a variety of veggies in a little water, oil, and soy sauce or other dressing in the wok.  My favorite veggies to stir-fry are bok choy, eggplant, zucchini, squash, broccoli, and carrots.  Once the veggies begin to brown (a little while after the liquid cooks off), they are almost ready! You can pair your stir-fried veggies with almost any grain or protein. 

 

Love ‘Em Method #5:  Add Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Balsamic vinaigrette will improve ANY raw, roasted, or steamed veggie.  I especially love it in this recipe for 15-minute pasta salsa.  To make balsamic reduction, place a small pot on the stove and pour in 1 cup of balsamic vinegar.  Bring to a rolling boil to make balsamic reduction (about 6 minutes or so).

 

Love ‘Em Method #6:  Re-envision Sweet Potatoes

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Cold sweet potatoes are a REALLY yummy alternative to fruit in yogurt or oatmeal bowls.  To prepare, wash potato, stab with fork, and microwave for 5 – 6 minutes.  Once it cools, peel the skin away, chop, and place in the fridge to chill.  I love to eat cold sweet potato with granola, yogurt, nuts, and maple syrup.

 

Love ‘Em Method #7:  Start with Greens

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A easy way to sneak in a serving of vegetables is to put a pile of spinach on your plate before serving up pasta.  The warm pasta will wilt the raw spinach, so no cooking is required!

 

Love ‘Em Method #8:  Drink Your Veggies

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I really wish I had a juicer, but I don’t.  Sometimes, I get vegetable juice from specialty grocery stores, but you can also easily make your own mixed juice drink by combining store-bought juices.  One of my favorites is Zesty Carrot Juice.  To make, simply blend: 1 cup organic carrot juice, 3/4 cup apple juice, 1 tablespoon pureed ginger, juice of 1 lime, and juice of 1/2 lemon. 

 

Love ‘Em Method #9:  Add Flavor Boosters

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Sometimes, it’s all about the flavoring.  I do really love salt on my roasted veggies, but there are lots of other flavor-boosting alternatives, such as lemon juice, fresh or dried herbs, capers, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. 

 

Love ‘Em Method #10:  Turn Veggies in Fries

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When it doubt, turn vegetables into fries.  :)  Sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and yucca make great ‘fries.’  Simply cut into strips and roast.  Here’s my recipe for Orange Zest Yucca Fries.  Angela’s recipe for Nut Butter Crusted Parsnip Fries are also quite popular!

 

Do you have a love/hate relationship with veggies?  What are your favorite ways to prepare them?

 

Psst – Sorry for the lack of normal posting, but I felt rather sick today.  I’m nursing my way back to optimal health with ginger tea, loads of vegetables, chocolate, and lots of sleep.  🙂

{ 106 comments }

 

  • Kristina March 15, 2011, 9:20 pm

    I used to HATE veggies (unless it was white potatoes with sour cream and chives) now I LOVE LOVE LOVE almost all veggies…roasted are def the best way to go! Sometimes I steam and then slather them with good marinades and sauces.

    Hope you feel better ASAP! (one of my clients is really interested in starting a GOTR in the Buffalo area, she may be sending you an email inquiring about it-hope you dont mind)

    • emily March 16, 2011, 8:43 am

      Another Buffalo blogger?!? I’m going to go check out your blog!

      P.S. I live in the Buffalo area and I would love to take part with GOTR.

    • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 10:30 am

      Yay for GOTR!

  • Evan Thomas March 15, 2011, 9:20 pm

    I love roasted veggies. I’ve learned it doesn’t even matter the type anymore. When you roast them and caramelize the natural sugars they take on a much better flavor.

  • Hannah (Running In Freedom) March 15, 2011, 9:21 pm

    I used to be the same way, but the more I eat them the more I CRAVE them. All day long all I could think about was roasted broccoli. Roasted veggies are now one of my favorite things! 😀 Even if its usually followed by some chocolate 😉

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) March 15, 2011, 9:22 pm

    I’m mostly fine with veggies, though I often get turned off by the thought of mixed greens…. even dressing only helps a little! Luckily, I like broccoli, etc. in their pure forms.

  • Mary @ stylefyles March 15, 2011, 9:23 pm

    I’m one of those weirdos that likes vegetables even when they are plain. It’s weird. I think I like every food possible. Does that mean I have no palette? I can certainly distinguish between foods and tastes…….And of course, if I have to choose, my favorite is chocolate. hahah.

    Hope you feel better!!!

    • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 10:35 am

      It means you are super lucky 🙂

  • The Teenage Taste March 15, 2011, 9:24 pm

    Roasted veggies are definitely my favorite way to eat veggies, followed by spinach in Green Monsters. Hope you feel better soon Caitlin! 🙂

  • Tracey March 15, 2011, 9:25 pm

    Yum, I am going to have to try my veggies roasted. I like my broccoli steamed with a bit of light butter, and my squash & zucchini sauteed in a bit of olive oil with some lemon juice thrown in. Yum-scrum. Now if I could only start liking fruit….

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey March 15, 2011, 9:30 pm

    I absolutely despise mushy vegetables. They make me want to throw up. I do love roasted veggies though! They’re my favorite!

  • Laine March 15, 2011, 9:33 pm

    I have recently been turned onto the green smoothies. Love them! I even added a few lettuce leaves when my CSA brought me a giant head.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 15, 2011, 9:41 pm

    Hope you feel better soon!

  • Fawn March 15, 2011, 9:42 pm

    I love vegetables and just had my one year vegetarian anniversary! The only veggie I don’t like that I have had is okra!

  • Brittany (a healthy slice of life) March 15, 2011, 9:42 pm

    Wonderful tips!! I agree veggies are de-friction-licious when prepared correctly- roasted are my favorite, too …. Or grilled- mmm!

  • Linz March 15, 2011, 9:42 pm

    This is greatness! #1 and #10 are my go to’s, I’ll eat anything if its shaped like a fry and dipped in ketchup. Can’t wait to try out your sweet potatoes and oatmeal trick.

  • Heidi March 15, 2011, 9:43 pm

    I was the same! I didn’t always love veggies. I have to say I love veggies more than anything else now(except sweets, duh? That’s a food group on it’s own). I love roasting them 😀

    • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 10:36 am

      Sweets > Veggies

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me March 15, 2011, 9:44 pm

    I used to be the same way but I love them now. When fresh produce comes out I am in seventh heaven! I like them steamed, roasted, stir-fried, etc.

    I hope you feel better! Hopefully nothing serious.

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley March 15, 2011, 9:45 pm

    I’ve always loved vegetables, but when I was younger they were canned and drowned in butter and salt. The first time I had a fresh cooked green bean I hated it because it was too green crunchy and strong in flavor. Roasting is my favorite way to cook vegetables, but I also love stir fry and steaming.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans March 15, 2011, 9:46 pm

    I love vegetables and these are all good tips to get people to eat more of them!!

  • eemusings March 15, 2011, 9:47 pm

    ROASTED ALL THE WAY!! Root veg, mushrooms, capsicum, eggplant…drool.

    I’m still not a fan of leafy green salads, though, having grown up eating all Asian.

  • Heather March 15, 2011, 9:50 pm

    great post. I dont eat salad b/c it makes me gag, but I started making GM’s last summer and made me feel like I was getting my “salad” in!

    • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 10:39 am

      It’s fun to drink your salad 🙂

  • Lauren March 15, 2011, 9:51 pm

    I think I’ve always liked them because my mom encouraged us to eat them and try them multiple times. She told my sister & I we would lose our red hair if we didn’t eat our carrots. Roasting & stir fries are my favorite ways to eat veggies!

  • sara March 15, 2011, 9:53 pm

    Thanks for this! I just started making smoothies and bought some spinach with the idea of adding it, but I didn’t have any recipes yet. I’m so trying your recipes!

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy March 15, 2011, 9:54 pm

    This post was so helpful. I am not a lover of veggies. I could eat fruit all day long, but veggies always seem to leave me feeling hungry, and I find them kind of bitter. I try to incorporate spinach into my meals, and I enjoy pumpkin and sweet potatoes (probably because they’re both on the sweeter side), but I know I need to eat more veggies!

  • Kris March 15, 2011, 10:03 pm

    Great veggie suggestions! Luckily, I’m a veggie lover. Feel better!!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine March 15, 2011, 10:05 pm

    I like them roasted the best for sure!! Lately I’ve been roasting up onions with my veggies because I love the flavor it adds!

  • JenRD March 15, 2011, 10:06 pm

    Great veggie tips! So many of my patients claim they are not veggie eaters (I am an RD) but I always challenge them to think differently, and try the same tips you suggest. It is a shame so many people were forced to eat bland or overcooked veggies growing up and developed an aversion to all things green (or red or orange).
    I hope you feel better!

  • Baking 'n' Books March 15, 2011, 10:07 pm

    Eek! Vegetable GEEK here!

    Love them sauteed and stir-fried…all wilty (probably not good for me though).

    But you forgot one! – PIZZA! 🙂

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews March 15, 2011, 10:07 pm

    I love this post! Very informative. My favorite way to have veggies is raw in the summer.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 15, 2011, 10:13 pm

    I hope you are feeling better!!

    I have always loved veggies, raw, cooked, any way! I prefer veggies to fruit!

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} March 15, 2011, 10:14 pm

    This is a GREAT post!! I think many a veggie-hater can be reformed by reading your tips. 🙂

  • BroccoliHut March 15, 2011, 10:14 pm

    I like to sneak in extra veggies by pureeing it into my homemade hummus–pumpkin, spinach, tomato…they all work!

    • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 10:40 am

      Oh yes, me too. Hummus is a great way to sneak in veggies.

  • Ashley March 15, 2011, 10:16 pm

    I’ve been doing green smoothies for about two years on and off, and I have to say that they really make a difference!

    Other than that, I try to add olive oil and seasoning to my veggies. I love broccoli and asparagus no matter what (craziest veggies to love, I know)…but the added spices really make it better.

  • Ellie @ The Mommyist March 15, 2011, 10:20 pm

    I love vegetables and eat a ton. Unfortunately, my daughter does not feel the same. She’s only 2 and has plenty of time to change her mind…

  • courtney @ the granola chronicles March 15, 2011, 10:21 pm

    Roasted veggies and stir fries are the way to go!

  • Natalia - a side of simple March 15, 2011, 10:22 pm

    Hope you feel better! I’ve been on such a roasted veggie kick lately. I also love them mixed with pastas and in stir-frys. Yum!

  • Stephanie March 15, 2011, 10:37 pm

    I LOVE this post! Veggies absolutely have to be cooked properly to be enjoyed. I agree that roasting is the most beautiful way to eat a vegetable.

  • Ashley March 15, 2011, 10:45 pm

    I love turning veg into fries! So yum!

  • Allison March 15, 2011, 10:58 pm

    I’ve always loved veggies, i ate it when i was growin up.
    Heck, my moms one big craving when she was pregnant with me was SALADS! So i was born to love my veggies.

  • maria @ Chasing the Now March 15, 2011, 10:58 pm

    I’m still not the biggest vegetable fan–there are only certain ones I like and most of the time they need to be cooked. I find roasting vegetables makes them taste so much better. I also like green monsters or green juices.

  • Kate @ Walking in the Rain March 15, 2011, 11:11 pm

    Roasting really is the best method for cooking veggies. I love roasted potatoes!

    I have a difficult relationship with vegetables. I know I should eat them, but most of the time they don’t appeal to me. However, for the past week I have been making at green smoothie every day and it is amazing at my level of energy and how well I feel.

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table March 15, 2011, 11:22 pm

    Totally shocked you didn’t like veggies in another life! I’ve also grown to love them.

    My friends think I’m nuts drinking my green smoothies, but I swear to anyone reading that you CANNOT taste the spinach! And veggie-friend are my all-time favorite. Parsnip + sweet potato friend are eaten by the boatload in my house. And kale chips. Mmmmm!

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete March 15, 2011, 11:23 pm

    I also LOVE roasted veggies — the other ways I get veggies in are through smoothies and stir-fries.

    Jason used to hate veggies too — but he loves them roasted (who doesn’t?)

  • Chelsey (Cookteen) March 15, 2011, 11:27 pm

    I have always LOVEd all veggies, its weird but my dad swears I was a bunny in a former life! Raw veggies are usually how I eat them (salads and snacks) but it does a number on my tummy 🙁

  • Jen March 15, 2011, 11:41 pm

    For the most part, I LOVE vegetables. The only time I have a hateful relationship with a veggie is if a bad experience leads to a temporary aversion. My favorite way to cook a vegetable is probably to roast it…but I also love to saute, steam…or eat certain veggies (like red bell peppers) raw. YUM.

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) March 15, 2011, 11:45 pm

    Great post! This has reminded me of many cooking methods I haven’t used in a while. I used to hate veggies growing up! I was that girl feeding my dog peas and carrots under the dinner table…or sitting at the table refusing to eat my vegetables. I don’t think I started really loving them until I was in my late teens/20’s.

    My favourite ways to eat veggies are in homemade soups, stir-frys, BBQ/roasting, etc. I also love to SNEAK the veggie into the food…so no one even knows it is in there. That is fun 🙂 I love to tell people…you’ll never guess what is in that…

    Hope you feel better soon.

    • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 10:47 am

      Heheh i like to sneak tofu into food 🙂

  • Leila @ Spinach and Skittles March 15, 2011, 11:53 pm

    I used to HATE veggies. In fact I had a “favorite” grandpa because he didn’t like vegetables either, and whenever I saw him I didn’t have toe at my salad. Ha.
    Now I love, love, love ’em! Roasting is my favorite method, unless I am having green beans (where I boil ’em and add garlic/olive oil/sea salt), and in the summer I love to have the hubs grill ’em!

  • Coco March 15, 2011, 11:54 pm

    Great post! Although, I’ve always loved raw veggies. Put me at a party and I gravitate towards the veggie tray. Weird, but it’s been true since I was young.

    This is totally random, but how do you like your bangs? And your new haircut? I just got a new “professional” job and my hair has gotten long and booooring. Would it be creepy if I took in a photo of you and asked for your length and bangs? haha. Also how is the style/upkeep? I had bangs awhile back but it’s been awhile so I was just wondering if they got annoying and were in the way, or if they were easy to take care of.

    • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 10:49 am

      I like my bangs a lot and NO i don’t think it’s creepy to take in a pic of a friend 🙂 I’m not annoyed by it at all, I’ve just been pinning it back or putting in a headband during exercise.

  • Gracie (complicated day) March 16, 2011, 12:05 am

    I’ve got to say I’ve always liked veggies, with a few exceptions. I don’t like zucchini because it has the potential to give a bitter aftertaste to foods it is stored with (leftovers!) and I do not like carrots because I find them too sweet. Anything else is welcome into my dutch oven and mouth at any time 🙂

  • Gracie (complicated day) March 16, 2011, 12:06 am

    Oh one more comment. I think eating raw vegetables is important, too, and if a good salad isn’t portable or bores your spouse veggies dipped in yogurt with horseradish are delicious.

  • Kiran March 16, 2011, 12:12 am

    Oh, you don’t have to say sorry. Health is a priority 🙂

    I love roasting & stir-fry vegetables. It’s just so simple and flavorful that way 🙂

  • Edwina March 16, 2011, 12:28 am

    I love veggies most ways, raw included, but my favorite is roasted. I also have a go to salad I buy basically in bulk they have in most supermarkets in Adelaide- tabouli. It’s easy to make your own and can be added to so much stuff sandwiches, wraps etc. Full of greens and tomato! Yum

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? March 16, 2011, 12:31 am

    I’ve always been one of those freaky people that loves all vegetables. Even as a baby, if my mom didn’t give me a mushroom when we went by them in the grocery store, I would cry.
    I think my all time favorite way to eat veggies is grilled. They’re so good that way. I usually just add olive oil and steak spice, and they come out amazing.

  • Khushboo March 16, 2011, 12:33 am

    I love vegetables…so much that every meal seems to bring about a lil fiber baby! The list is endless but currently, I’m really digging oven grilled okra, broccoli, carrots, green beans and sweet potatoes (do these count as a vegetable or carb??)…Am also loving hugh jass salads topped with salsa + greek yogurt!

  • Charlie March 16, 2011, 12:35 am

    I have a love relationship with veggies. When I was a kid, I loved veggies but hated meat :P.
    Roasted veggies are so good! Roasted potatoes, carrots & onions are the best :).

  • Lorin March 16, 2011, 1:10 am

    I am one of those people that enjoys both vegetables and cookies equally, some days cookies more. However, I am a college freshman and I don’t prepare my own vegetables. I have a newfound love for ketchup, seriosly. They always serve carrots, green beans and brocolli and they all go good with ketchup.

  • J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) March 16, 2011, 1:14 am

    I absolutely LOVE veggies!! But yeah, I agree, how you eat them can make a huge difference. Roasting them changes the whole dynamic!

  • Eliza March 16, 2011, 1:32 am

    two words

    SOY SAUCE

    • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 10:50 am

      Yessssssssssss

  • Gubbi of Arabia (Expat Life in Dubai) March 16, 2011, 1:46 am

    Great post – and so true that your taste buds change over time, I’ve seen it happen myself. Now just trying to induce the transformation in my boyfriend!

    BTW, love that your green monster is in a Hoegaarden glass – like your style. 😉

  • Marie-Sophie March 16, 2011, 2:00 am

    Great post!! I also have a bit of a hard time sometimes to “lovingly” incorporate veggies but I really try – they’re just so good for you!
    Another tip from me would be to that it is ok not to love all veggies at all times! Find some that you’re comfortable with and then build up from there! I can always eat peas, carrots (shredded-yum!) and sweet potatoes so if I am feeling “blah” and don’t feel like veggies at all (happens sometimes) I incorporate these and wait until I feel all “veggie” again 🙂

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) March 16, 2011, 2:01 am

    thank you for all the veggie ideas! I love my veggies, but I can get into a rut and get sick of them because I get into habits of preparing them the same ways over and over and over again, especially in my college apartment! but these are inspiring me to make them in some new ways!

  • Heather March 16, 2011, 2:26 am

    I LOVE my veggies! Currently, I am obsessed with shredded brussel sprouts stirfried with miso and lemon. Amazing!

  • Laura (Starloz) March 16, 2011, 2:45 am

    i’m stir-frying tonight. awesome idea

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul March 16, 2011, 2:51 am

    Hehe I never understood why people don’t like veggies b/c I ALWAYS ADORED THEM and ate them so well! perhaps it’s my korean background that allowed me to like them? B/c we know how make ANY vegetable taste good! steamed or marinated/pickled many times 😛

  • antosia March 16, 2011, 5:03 am

    Recently, I have added celery to my smoothie (with banana and protein powder), cause I didn’t have any greens (spinach or kale) and it worked SOOO GREAT!!! Really, you have to try this one;) So nutty and delicious tast! Plus extra weggies:)))

  • Lauren March 16, 2011, 6:44 am

    Who could ever hate veggies when you prepare them like that? 🙂

  • Kara March 16, 2011, 7:28 am

    Sorry you’re feeling icky! I hope you bounce back quickly 🙂

    I like all veggies, but my husband will only eat them if they are sauteed with butter and garlic or covered in cheese sauce. I’m ok with veggies like that too 😛

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) March 16, 2011, 7:32 am

    Oh no, feel better Caitlin. I have always loved vegetables, but it really does make a difference how you prepare them.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin March 16, 2011, 7:38 am

    I totally agree with this whole list! I’ve actually always liked vegetables, but once I started doing some of the ideas on this list, like roasting and stir frying, I began to actually love them!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun March 16, 2011, 8:02 am

    Yep! Love all those ways to eat veggies. I do like some things simply steamed best, but roasted will always be #1. And spinach is only good in a smoothie or mixed with tons of other flavors.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing March 16, 2011, 8:43 am

    I like most veggies since we ate a lot of them growing up but there are certain ones that definitely require a certain preperation! For instance, steamed brussel sprouts make me gag. But roasted – absolutely delicious!

  • Marcie March 16, 2011, 8:44 am

    I’ve loved veggies my whole life. I used to request steamed spinach on a daily basis when I was a kid… mostly because I thought it would make me strong like Popeye 😉

  • Lindsay @ The Reluctant Runner March 16, 2011, 8:50 am

    I actually love veggies. I’m not a huge fan of raw veggies, but I like them steamed a lot. It’s such a simple side dish. I also love roasted veggies and stir -fries…mmm!

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe March 16, 2011, 9:34 am

    I hated veggies as a kid, mostly because nearly all the veggies we ate either came out of a can or got drenched in fake cheese sauce! They are so much better when fresh, crisp, and lightly seasoned. A snappy green bean is an entirely different food than the dark mushy ones that come out of a can.

  • Johanna B March 16, 2011, 9:47 am

    I used to hate vegetables – except potatoes and corn. I’m learning to like them now. Just checked out a great cookbook called Fast, Fresh, and Green by Susie Middleton. Can’t wait to try all her veggie recipes. So many recipes, so little time.

  • Katie @ PEACEBEME March 16, 2011, 9:48 am

    Loved this post, definitely made me crave vegetables!

  • Courtney March 16, 2011, 9:53 am

    red pepper, olive oil and parmesan on thinly sliced zucchini! roast in oven and add to cooked tortelini! it is one of my favorite meals and goes great with veggie burgers (or real burgers for non vegetarian readers)! great carbo meal for prerace/long run!

    i wish i wasnt at school, i could really go for some roasted vegetables… and its only 10 in the morning, i don’t know if i could do veggies this early. i had my apple, orange and banana already this morning!

  • Kacy March 16, 2011, 10:11 am

    I’ve always liked most veggies, and now I like every single one! I don’t love eggplant and I hate mushrooms, but they’re not a veggie 🙂
    Hope you feel better!

    • Kelly meatlesswithaman.blogspot.com March 16, 2011, 10:23 am

      I hate ‘shrooms too!! Makes it hard to be a vegetarian sometimes because so many restaurants put mushrooms in veggie dishes! Ugh!

      • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 10:51 am

        Why do you two like fun guys?!

  • Clarissa March 16, 2011, 10:21 am

    This is a great post! I basically hate all veggies unless they are raw or stir-fried. Good to see there are many more options!!

  • Kelly meatlesswithaman.blogspot.com March 16, 2011, 10:22 am

    I was blessed with a love of veggies! I’ve always loved them – with the only exception of mushrooms!! Thanks for posting these ideas, though. Be ause even as a veggie lover, I run out of creative ways to prepare them! Mmmm balsamic reduction!!!

  • Karen March 16, 2011, 10:37 am

    Hope you feel better soon! I really enjoyed this post. I love veggies but often struggle with ways to keep them different and tasty; this post had it all! 🙂

  • Mike Lieberman March 16, 2011, 11:56 am

    Don’t hate on the veggies. They are about the only real food that we can eat these days. There are a million and five ways to prepare them. Growing your own or shopping at farmers markets might help too, so you get closer to your food and establish that healthy relationship with it.

  • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment March 16, 2011, 12:34 pm

    One of my favorite stories from my childhood is when, while stuck in some stupid modeling class my mother enrolled me in, the teacher went around and asked everyone what his or her favorite food was. After all the other kids gave “normal” answers, like “cheetos!” and “ring dings!”, my six year-old self promptly declared: “Brussel Sprouts!” Cue radio silence, followed by a chorus of, “EWWWW!”.

    Some things never change; I still love brussel sprouts and most other veggies! (Except mushrooms, I’m allergic and wouldn’t eat them even if I could… Mario characters aren’t suitable for consumption, IMHO).

  • Sam (the neurotic yogini) March 16, 2011, 12:45 pm

    I love veggies.. all kinds. I guess I’m lucky! 🙂

    I do love em smothered w/ cheese, in smoothies, and roasted! MMMM!

  • Jenifer March 16, 2011, 1:16 pm

    I love veggies! All kinds and cooked almost any way. Fav. way of late is piling raw spinach or cabbage into the bottom of my bowl or plate and putting my main course on top. I’m also really into just plain spring mix lettuce with garlic expressions, capers, salt and pepper. I ate a whole container the other night.
    Feel better soon chickie! Quick question… off subject… I’m running my first half on Sunday and I’m wondering how or if you change how you eat a few days before and event. My boss is a pretty avid runner, and he keeps telling me I need to be carb loading, but my tummy isn’t feeling it.

    • Caitlin March 16, 2011, 1:30 pm

      You don’t need to carb load for a half marathon 🙂 Just try to eat an extra 100 – 300 calories in the two days proceeding the race to top off your glycogen stores.

  • Meg March 16, 2011, 1:43 pm

    Wow, what a great post! It made me hungry for veggies and it’s only 10am! My current faves are #1 and #7, and now I have so many more ideas I’m looking forward to trying out, like that Green Monster 🙂

  • Amber K March 16, 2011, 2:12 pm

    I have a love/love relationship with many veggies. Either I love it in its natural form, or I don’t like that particular veggie at all no matter what I do to it.

    And I always have to bring my own veggies to functions because people add all kinds of sauces and stuff to the veggies to make them “palatable.” But I can’t stand my veggies being messed with! Steamed is my favorite form of veggies, followed by roasted and then quickly followed by just plain raw!

  • stace March 16, 2011, 7:02 pm

    roasting veggies is a new thing for my but my fav and go to method. roasting also got me into brussel sprouts and asparagus.

  • caitie March 16, 2011, 10:30 pm

    I dont know if pumpkin is technically a fruit or not, but it has a ridiculous amount of vitamin A in only half a cup of the canned kind! I put at least 1/4 cup in my oatmeal each morning and its delicious! Another good way to get a veg (?) in!!!

  • Sarah March 16, 2011, 10:58 pm

    Roasting them is my favorite for sure! But adding cheese NEVER fails me 🙂

  • Kia March 18, 2011, 9:18 am

    Thank you for the suggesting about mixing pre-made juices. I do not yet own my own juicer and I still want to add more juices to my diet. What a great idea to just mix the premade ones!

  • Jessica April 15, 2011, 7:17 am

    I am so late to the cherry bomb smoothie, but they’ve been in my head so I bought cooca powder last night and made one this morning… and I drank it in 2 sips, it’s so good! I’m resisting the urge to make another one right now. Thank you so much for this- I’ve been in a smoothie rut lately!

  • MomHTP March 11, 2014, 6:46 pm

    I’m going to branch out and try some of your veggie cooking suggestion – yummy -thanks for the ideas.

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