Many people tend to think of juicing or cleanses when someone mentions eating more “green” foods. However, it’s important to consider “going green” as including more produce in general! By increasing the number of fruits and vegetables consumed in your daily diet, energy levels and nutrient intake increase too. Each color of fruit and vegetable provides different combinations of vitamins and/or minerals so it’s important to include all colors as often as you can.

Hydration levels also increase! Fruit and vegetables are made up of water along with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants helping you to recover from exercise and stay focused.

For those of you looking to lean out for spring, more veggies can also be an easy weight loss solution – “go green” especially at dinner by pairing a protein source with produce to fill you up in the healthiest way by adding fiber, water and nutrients to your plate.

So how can you start including more “green” foods in your daily routine? Start here!

1. Sneak veggies in other foods that you already like
   1. Try spinach or kale in smoothies – it’s tasteless!
   1. Chop up veggies and add to an omelet
   1. Try making fries or spiralizing with zucchini, sweet potato or carrots
   1. Fold spinach or arugula into casseroles
   1. Put diced bell pepper, onion, and mushroom in your ground meat mix for burgers
2. Prepare them in creative ways
   1. Roasted veggies: Cut them up, drizzle/toss them toss in olive oil, sprinkle on salt and pepper, and put them on a foil lined pan in the oven at 400 degrees F for 30-40 minutes.
   1. Stir Fry or Saute: Throw slices of your favorite green in a pan with some oil on medium high heat for ~5 minutes until they become soft and lighter in color.
   1. Grill: Place asparagus, carrots, etc. into a foil pouch with olive oil & seasonings. Toss onto the grill while your meat or other food is cooking.
   1. Air fry – Turn your veggies into chips with an air fryer!
3. Increase the fun factor – this can really be helpful for kids!
   1. Veggie kabobs
   1. Celery sticks with PB or cream cheese
   1. Stuffed bell peppers
   1. Stuff Portobello mushrooms
   1. Dip them – hummus, guacamole, bean dip
4. Jump on the cauliflower craze train, whether you’re trying to include more produce, go gluten-free or lighten up the evening meal.
   1. Mashed Cauliflower instead of potatoes
   1. Cauliflower pizza crust instead of flour crust
   1. Cauliflower rice in your stir fry
   1. Cauliflower risotto
   1. Did you know frozen cauliflower rice can go in smoothies? It can and adds a nice consistency!
5. Add veggies to non-traditional dishes
   1. Tacos – Saute veggies into your taco meat or add as topping to your favorite taco!
   1. Pizza – Pair Medjool dates and arugula, strawberries and spinach, or sweet potato and apple on top of your favorite pizza!
   1. Quesadillas – Layer veggies into your chicken and cheese for an extra pop of nutrients!
   1. Lasagna – Try using zucchini instead of noodles!