If you haven’t been already, it’s probably time to add on a small goal or action item to your healthy living game plan regarding your veggie intake. If you are stuck on ideas, I would use these seven ways to add veggies to your diet as this week’s goal. They are simple changes that won’t alter your diet drastically. Think of yourself as a toddler who haaaates veggies; you have to sneak in those veggies any way you can.

  • While dining out: Try splitting an entree when you’re dining out, then order an extra side or two of veggies (sans sauces and seasoning)
  • While ordering in: Ordering out for pizza? Try half-and-half toppings: order one half with grilled veggies like spinach, onion, mushroom, pepper and tomato — and the other half with your usual toppings. Ask for them to make it extra crispy so the veggies aren’t soft.
  • Bulk up your recipes: Give your tomato soup or Italian sauce some extra density, nutrition and flavor by adding veggies like spinach, Swiss chard, green pepper, zucchini and onion.
  • Be prepared: Buy ready-made, pre-washed and bagged veggies like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and shredded carrots. This makes it super easy to prepare a quick salad.
  • Make leftovers: Once a week, stir-fry a large portion of your favorite veggies using your favorite oil and seasonings. Divide into several small portions that you can keep refrigerated for use during the week. These can serve as a topping for your favorite burger or sandwich, filling for pita or tortillas — or be added to soups, stews or homemade pizza.
  • Cut the carbs: Replace bread with whole green peppers or tomatoes stuffed with tuna or egg salad.
  • Dress it up: Always keep savory dressings and dips on hand so it’s more likely you’ll reach for a salad or veggies. We rounded up some of our favorite dressings in this article on Balanced Babe.