5 Tips for Adding Greens in Your Diet

Eating green vegetables is an important habit to incorporate into your daily diet. They help to increase your fiber intake which allows the body to absorb more nutrients since fiber pushes undigested matter through the digestive tract. Green vegetable are a great source of minerals like zinc, potassium and iron. Spinach, kale and Swiss chard are greens that are full of the previous minerals. Most people do not get the recommended amounts of these minerals in their diets.

In today's fast paced world, eating green vegetables can prove challenging since we are a society driven to consume convenience foods. It is easy to opt for drive through or take out after working hard all day. Even in a fast paced world, one can consume green vegetables daily if given easy alternatives. So move over side salad.

Here are five tips to adding green vegetables to your diet.

1. Replace snacking on chips or popcorn with edamame. Edamame contains protein, which further helps stabilize blood sugar, omega-3 fatty acid, dietary fiber, iron and calcium. This popular Japanese vegetable can be prepared easily by following directions on the package. Frozen varieties are easy to find and prepare. This snack will satisfy a salty craving.
2. Greens on pizza are a fun way to add vegetables to your diet. Thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, green peppers, broccoli and artichokes add variety, color and flavor to your pizza pie while given you a healthy boost.
3. Make soup super. Even canned chicken noodle or tomato can be boosted by green vegetables. Add peas, celery, spinach, broccoli or green beans for a quick nutritional benefit.
4. Put your fish to bed. Salmon or any other grilled fish served on a bed of sautéed spinach, kale or beet greens is elegant and easy. Sautee your favorite green in a little bit of olive oil, garlic and black pepper. Place the greens on the plate and top with your favorite fish.
5. Keep fresh green vegetables ready for quick snacking in your refrigerator. Many super markets have vegetables platters already made in their fresh produce section. Grab a platter with broccoli, celery, green peppers and other vegetables the next time you shop. Use the platter for replacing bags of chips or pretzels that are easy to grab when the munchies seek you out. Making a quick dip from low fat plain yogurt will add some variety to your vegetable platter.