Vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, providing a nutritional boost that keeps the body fully functional. Each product offers a unique set of benefits and can easily add a bit of color to your plate. However, finding new ways to incorporate local produce into the weekly menu may prove a challenge. There are a number of techniques available, so take a closer look at the following to determine which works best for you.

3 Ways to Include More Vegetables in Your Diet

1. Start With Breakfast

Fruit is a common breakfast feature, with its sweet juices creating a delectable complement to the savory meats and cheeses. Adding a few vegetables to the mix will help to balance the meal. Peppers and onions, for example, tend to caramelize over the heat and offer a well-rounded flavor when combined with a plate of scrambled eggs. 

You could also include a few leaves of spinach and kale to your morning smoothies. The fiber and Omega-3s that these contain will serve to lower your cholesterol and prevent inflammation in the arteries. 

2. Have Snacks Available

Carrots, celery and broccoli florets make for the perfect snack. The issue is that the process of peeling and cutting tends to take more time than you’re willing to spend in the kitchen. Preparing all this local produce beforehand will ensure that they’re easy to grab on your way through the refrigerator. 

Pair them with hummus, which enhances the flavors with its smooth texture. Vegetable dips are also a common alternative, complete with a blend of aromatic herbs and a creamy base that’s difficult to resist. 

3. Swap Them Out

Newer kitchen gadgets make it possible to transform your vegetables into different products. For instance, a spiralizer features a thin series of blades that will turn a zucchini into noodles. 

Slicers can create lasagna-like shapes when used along the length of a yellow squash. Even peeling back a leaf of lettuce could provide a healthier substitute for tacos. It all comes down to your ingenuity and finding ways to add color to the plate. 

If you’re in the market for local produce, stop over at Lori’s Natural Foods Center in Rochester, NY. With more than 35 years of experience, this natural grocery offers an assortment of products that range from fresh meats to organic vegetables. Their friendly staff commits to quality customer service and makes themselves available to answer any questions that you might have. Call (585) 424-2323 to speak with a representative or visit their website for additional information.