by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: May 08, 2009   Last Updated: August 01, 2010

Vegetables are arguably one of the most important parts of our daily diets, yet most people don't eat anywhere close to what the USDA food pyramid guidelines recommend. For whatever the reason, people just don't make an effort to eat vegetables, and that must also mean that they don't buy them. This is a real shame because vegetables are a great source of low calorie fiber that can fill us up, help us lose or maintain weight and at the same time, provide us with valuable vitamins and minerals that can't be found in other foods.

If you are willing to make an attempt to start eating vegetables, here are some tips that can help you eat more vegetables.

*Check out farmers markets -

If you've never grown your own vegetables and aren't sure you want to do that, start out by going to your local farmer's market. Don't go overboard. Just buy a few things, and look for what is most seasonal. Look for things that don't require a huge amount of effort to prepare so you can enjoy them simply.

Here are a few suggestions: 

♥ Tomatoes -

All you need to do to a tomato is slice it. You can add it to sandwiches, eat it as is, or if you want to get adventurous, make your own salsa. All you need to do that is a blender or food processor and a few vegetables.

♥ Lettuce -

Farmers markets always sell really nice leaf lettuces early in the season. Lettuce is great to add to sandwiches, wraps, pita pockets or to use in salads. These are all simple ways to use lettuce and the beauty of something like lettuce is that you can have a healthy and fast meal without having to cook.

♣Steam vegetables -

If the reason you are reluctant to eat vegetables is because you don't want to be bothered with cooking them, there's a simple way to cook them without making a mess and you won't really have to clean anything up. You can steam your vegetables in a microwave. Most vegetables can be steamed in no more than five minutes. A potato can be baked in the microwave in no more than 7 minutes.

♣ Incorporate vegetables into foods you already eat and/or prepare -

It isn't hard to incorporate vegetables into foods you already eat or prepare. If you regularly eat spaghetti, simply add some vegetables to the pasta sauce. You can still have your meat, if that's what you usually eat. Just add some vegetables. You can add peppers, broccoli, or anything else that will add nice tasting texture but that won't get too soggy.

If you love pizza,  add some wonderful grilled vegetables

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