I don’t like vegetables. How can I eat a healthy, balanced diet?
Answer Section
Instead of focusing on what you don’t like, try focusing on what you do.
Sweet is a flavor preference for most people. Did you know that some vegetables, such as sugar snap peas, red bell peppers and corn, have a sweet taste?
Even onions can be sweet when they’re caramelized. Another vegetable to try is winter squash. Cut a winter squash in half or in quarters and roast or microwave it. This easy meal of mildly sweet, slightly earthy flavors and soft texture could almost be thought of as a comfort food.
Not sweet enough for you? Peel, dice, and roast the squash until slightly brown to enjoy a sweeter taste.
Maybe sweet isn’t your first preference. The following choices offer a mild sweetness that might appeal to you along with their other benefits.
If you like foods that are crisp and crunchy, try jicama. You can cut it into thin strips and add it to a pita or wrap sandwich. Besides flavor, you’ll get fiber and vitamin C. Cucumbers are another good blend of cool and crisp. Mix them in vinegar for a stronger, pungent flavor.
But perhaps savory flavors are more to your liking. Mushrooms are a good bet. Try them sauteed. Or toss them in a stir-fry, on a salad or in a sandwich.
Looking for something spicier? Peppers offer a range of flavors — from mild and earthy to sweet and hot. Stuff a poblano or bell pepper with whole grains, veggies, and grated Parmesan or blue cheese. Or add peppers to soups, salads and casseroles to punch up the flavor and boost the potassium and vitamin C content.
Which foods you choose or stay away from can affect your health. So it’s important to find healthy foods that suit your taste. Keep it fun by experimenting with new foods and familiar foods prepared in new ways. You may even start to enjoy healthier foods as your taste buds adapt.
