Inside: How on earth can you eat vegetables when you HATE them? This article will give you some surefire ways to get ’em in, even if you think you can’t!
Vegetables… YUCK!
Most times kids are the ones who feel that way, but there are ADULTS who do also. And I’m assuming, since you’re here, you’re one of ’em.
I can definitely relate since I, too, hated (most) vegetables as a kid, and well into my adult years.
Yeah, I ate corn, the occasional carrot, and “salad” comprised only of iceberg lettuce and French dressing – but not much else… I did love those canned, French-cut green beans, though.
But now, I’ve grown to love quite a few vegetables I wouldn’t have even looked at before. There are still some I won’t eat because I just don’t like them no matter what (the various squashes are a good example); but I definitely eat more vegetables than I used to.
Today, I’d like to help you do the same.
How To Eat Vegetables When You Hate Them…
1. Make a list of any and all vegetables you DO like.
I don’t care if you like them “only a certain way” or “only in certain things”.
Even if it’s a small list, or it’s something you deem not all that significant (e.g. iceberg lettuce); write down any and all vegetables you like, as well as the stipulations you have for eating them. (Ex: must be on a pizza, only on a burger, etc)
2. Make a list of the vegetables you’ve actually TRIED, but hate.
Some folks will say they hate “xyz”, but have never even tasted it. Those don’t count… only the ones you’ve actually tasted before.
Once you’ve made that list, think back to when you tried it.
Close your eyes if you have to, but really take yourself to that time and place when you tried the vegetable(s).
-What didn’t you like about it?
-Who prepared it?
–How it was prepared?
3. Try the vegetables prepared differently.
If you find that when you tried broccoli or spinach that they were too mushy, try lightly steaming, roasting or even eating raw.
Personally, I’ve found that I like broccoli (something I HATED as a kid) when it’s NOT boiled, but rather sautéed in a pan with butter, garlic powder, a little soy sauce, sea salt, and pepper or… tossed with the same things I just listed, but roasted in the oven on a baking sheet. Mmmm!
So, try a different method of preparation and you may find one you like or even… *gulp*… love!
4. Try them fresh.
As a kid, my mom made a lot of canned veggies. Some were fine, like the green beans, but spinach out of a can was GROSS! But I do like it fresh or even frozen.
Perhaps it’s the mushiness of cooked veggies you don’t like. I really don’t care for cooked carrots, but love them fresh. So, try eating some vegetables fresh and see if the *snap* of them is more appealing to you.
Go to the farmers market and ask if you can sample some of their wares. Even better, grow your own or at least reach out to anyone you may know who has a garden. Fresh out the garden tastes SO much better than from the produce aisle at the grocery store.
5. Try them with a dip or sauce.
I know, I know. Some folks have probably told you, “Don’t drown your vegetables in that! It makes them less healthy.“
Listen… if ranch dressing, cheese sauce, hot sauce, or whatever sauce will get you to eat the damn veggies; then do whatcha gotta do to eat the damn veggies!
Believe me, your body is NOT gonna be like, “Aww hell, I can’t assimilate this ’cause s/he put melted cheese on it.” You’ll still reap the benefits.
Now what you CAN do is try to make whatever you’re dipping or covering them in as healthy as possible OR… try weaning off of the dips, sauces or dressings by using less and less each time you eat them.
6. Eat them in stuff.
I’m not a huge fan of bell peppers. I will NOT eat them raw, as I would carrots or celery. I will NOT eat them stuffed, nor on the side of any dish.
But I WILL eat them chopped and whipped up into an omelet, in spaghetti or chili, or on a pizza.
So you may find that, while you don’t like them alone, you may like them IN or ON something.
Don’t make getting healthier complicated or weird. Let me help you keep it simple with my “Baby Steps To Getting Healthier” tips*
7. Try organic.
A friend of mine swears up and down that the flavor of organic tastes better than conventional… at least when it comes to yams.
I do recall getting two bunches of bananas – one organic and one conventional – and yes, it did seem that the organic ones were richer in flavor. And I know for certain that veggies grown in your own garden definitely taste better.
So, try it and see if it makes a difference to YOU!
8. Blend into smoothies.
Now, let me forewarn you – IMO carrots do NOT taste good in fruit smoothies! I’ve tried multiple times and it always ends up making my smoothie taste “meaty”, as in meat-flavored. Don’t ask me how or why, it just does – even my eldest son said the same.
But I’m speaking more so of green smoothies where vegetables such as greens (spinach, kale, parley, etc.) are blended with fruit.
Start with small amounts and overtime, work your way up to adding more.
9. Juice them!
Juicing is probably going to be one of THE best ways to get your veggies in! If you don’t have a juicer, you can use a blender – here’s how to do that.
If you don’t want a savory, “V-8 type” juice, be sure to juice the veggies along with fruit such as apples, pears, etc. to sweeten and make more palatable.
You may also want to add some lemon juice as that will cut some of the strong flavors that some vegetables produce.
And speaking of juicing, if all else fails…
10. Reset your palette.
Sometimes you just need a “reboot“. Have you ever seen the documentary, “Fat, Sick, And Nearly Dead” where the guy reversed an autoimmune disease he had AND lost a ton of weight by going on a juice fast?
I know that when my family and I were raw fooders, I found myself (as a result of eating mainly fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds) beginning to like vegetables that I hated as a kid! It was like my tastebuds changed and were more accepting of the flavors they once loathed.
So, consider doing something like a green smoothie or juice cleanse for about 7 days or more and see if that helps you appreciate vegetables a bit more!
In Conclusion…
Those are some ways to possibly get yourself to eat vegetables even when you hate them! Hopefully one or more of them will help you to begin eating more veggies!
If you still find yourself not eating enough of them, consider taking a daily vitamin supplement so that your body can get any nutrients that you may be missing out on.
One last thing… If you liked these tips, you’re gonna LOVE my Baby Steps To Getting Healthier! You’ll get some of these tips PLUS some really great others on how to actually get your body to CRAVE healthier foods, along with other helpful hints for improving your health. Click here to get it now!
More Health-Related Resources For Picky Eaters:
How To Eat Healthier When You’re Picky
