There are a few simple changes a person can make in his or her life that will improve overall health dramatically. It may not come as a surprise that parents and health teachers alike were right all along: eating more vegetables is one of those small changes that will make the world of difference in overall health.

It’s interesting to note that most people get only a fraction of the daily-recommended intake of vegetables. And while not eating enough vegetables a few days a month is not going to cause serious problems, a regular deficiency can leave the body without the nutrients that it needs to stay healthy.

Here are just few ways more vegetables can be incorporated into the diet to help patients stay healthy.

1. Add vegetables to scrambled eggs. If you usually have scrambled eggs for breakfast, adding some vegetables to the scrambled eggs can be a great way to boost your veggie intake and breakfast flavor. Some good additions include onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Omelets are one of the most delicious breakfast items and it’s a great way for you to sneak vegetables into a great breakfast meal.
2. Double each helping of veggies. If a recipe, for example, for soup, calls for one can of tomatoes, add two cans instead. No matter what is being made, double the amount of vegetables. Most people will not notice a difference in flavor, but they will be getting far more veggies into their system than they would otherwise, and the positive health effects are overwhelming.
3. Sneak veggies into other meals. One of the best ways to get more vegetables into the diet of someone who does not like vegetables is to sneak them in. For example, most people will not notice shredded carrots or zucchini in ground beef (for burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, etc.). Additionally, many people like smoothies for meals. Spinach is a green that is high in iron and has many health benefits. The best part is the flavor of spinach is mild and easy to mask. Green shakes with spinach is a great way to sneak veggies in.
4. Swap a salad for another side. If eating at a restaurant, get a side salad instead of fries or a baked potato. This is a great and simple way to make sure you get more vegetables, no matter what else you order. It might even encourage you to try vegetables that you’ve previously avoided.

Adopting small habits that help increase the intake of vegetables is a great way to start making changes to improve your overall health. Veggies have the vitamins necessary to sustain a healthy life, aid in weight loss and maintenance, and put you on a healthier path to a longer life.

For more information about chiropractic care and for more health tips, you can contact Horst Chiropractic. Any member of our staff would be happy to answer your questions or set up your appointment with Dr. Horst. Please feel free to contact us at any time.