Healthy Snack Foods: How to Include Veggies in Your Diet

Many of us already know that in order to maintain optimal health we need to eat at least three to five servings of vegetables each day. But even though we know we need to eat more vegetables, it’s so very easy to fall short of this daily goal. In fact, most diet and nutrition surveys show that the average American only eats one or two servings of vegetables each day. If you’re trying to increase the amount of vegetables you and your family eat each day, here are five ways to get you started:

1. Join a CSA

Many areas around the United States now offer CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) where, for a monthly or annual fee, you can have farm-fresh vegetables delivered to your home or a nearby neighborhood location. CSAs offer fresh-picked, seasonal vegetables that are locally or regionally grown and many offer organic, naturally grown, or GMO-free produce. In addition to tasting great, your participation in a CSA helps to support farmers in your area!  Try looking on localharvest.org to find a CSA near you.

2. Give those veggies a place of honor in your refrigerator or freezer.

If you store your vegetables in a place where you can’t easily see them, chances are you won’t eat them and that can result in unnecessary food waste. While some vegetables need to be stored in the crisper drawer to maintain freshness, try to keep as many veggies as you can “front and center” – that way you’ll remember to use them when you’re preparing meals or looking for a mid-day snack.  Make sure that your Tommy’s Superfoods bags are the first things you see when you open the freezer, so you’re sure to make a healthier choice when looking for a snack or dinner idea.

3. Cook in advance

When you’re busy with work, family, or school, it’s not always realistic to assume fresh meals will be cooked every day. Prepare a big pot of vegetable soup made with Tommy’s Superfoods Vegetable Medley, pasta with your favorite veggies (Asparagus and Kale is one of our favorite pasta additions), or a vegetable stir fry in advance and then freeze individual portions to take for lunch or dinner during the week. Make a large container of salad, and portion out servings to add to each meal for a few days or cut up carrots, peppers, or celery for quick and easy snacks with hummus our Super Spinach Dip.

4. What’s your favorite vegetable?

When you’re trying to add more vegetables to your diet, be sure to buy ones that you enjoy eating! While it’s certainly fun to experiment with vegetables you’re unfamiliar with, there’s nothing wrong with having plenty of your favorites on hand. When you have your favorite veggies in the refrigerator, you’ll be more likely to use them in salads, pastas, soups, snacks, smoothies and juices.

5. Get creative and add more vegetables to every meal

Is Friday night pizza night in your house? Top that pizza pie with Super Greens. Is pasta your go-to weekday meal? Mix in extra Cauliflower and Green Beans. Making tacos?  Add Fiesta Quinoa instead of rice.  Omelets and frittatas are extra delicious when vegetables are added (try dicing up some Brussels Sprouts).  If you don’t eat eggs, lightly sautéing vegetables to be served on toast is also a highly satisfying way to start the day – and don’t forget some Sweet Potatoes to complete your breakfast. Let your imagination go wild, or jump online for quick and easy recipes.

While vegetables picked fresh from the farm are certainly delicious, we at Tommy’s Superfoods realize that obtaining them isn’t always convenient or possible. That’s why we take every possible step to ensure our frozen vegetable medleys contain vegetables picked at their peak of freshness, paired with simple and delicious herb seasonings and sauces, and flash frozen to maintain the best possible flavor. If you’re looking for creative ways to make sure your family’s diet includes more vegetables, look for us in the freezer section of your favorite grocery store. We’re certain the taste and ease of cooking will have everyone at the table asking for second helpings!