How to Add more Veggies in your Diet with Anca from CookStyle

Today I have the lovely Anca from CookStyle taking over my blog again! She previously dropped by to share her thoughts on why going to a blogging conference is a great idea and today she is back to talk about veggies!

Hi.

I’m Anca, a vegetarian food blogger form Liverpool, sharing my recipes on CookStyle. I will start by thanking Sarah for allowing me to share my tips with you.

As a vegetarian, one might assume that I eat all the veggies I need. Well, it’s not as simple as that, mainly because lots of unhealthy foods are vegetarian: pizza, chips, cheese pies and quiches, cakes and almost all desserts. I want to eat healthy, so, for me, like for the most people with the health in mind, I must make the proper choices.

In the last couple of years, I did a few things that helped me develop new and healthy habits. In return, these make me feel good even if I overdo it with the less healthy stuff. I have over 5 portions of fruits and veggies daily, often getting up to 10 and over.

First of all, add a daily smoothie or a soup. What started as a 30 days challenge a year and a half ago, is now something I really need daily to feel good. There are so many options when it comes to soup, canned, fresh, made at home in batches and popped in the freeze or made in small daily batches if you have the time and fancy doing that.

With smoothies is even easier, two different fruits, like a banana and some grapes, 150ml juice, two teaspoons of chia or flaxseeds or oats. All blended and is enough for a big glass of 250ml. Is perfect for breakfast, it can be put in a shaker and enjoyed as a snack at work. It also gives 3 portions from the recommended 5 a day.

In the mornings, my husband and I like to have a big breakfast, like a cheese sandwich and a smoothie. So, I would usually roast some peppers and keep them in the fridge for a few days. It gives an extra taste to the sandwiches and, if you use the equivalent of 1 pepper, it also adds another portion of veggies. Other veggies that can be added in sandwiches for a lovely taste are stir-fried mushrooms, again, easy to keep in the fridge for a few days. A thick tomato sauce will give the sandwich a pizza-like taste and add healthiness.

By adding a bit of veggies in the sandwich and a smoothie, we get 4 portions by 9am. It’s a good way to start the day.

When you are cooking, add some veggies. You are making a pizza, add some sundried tomatoes and maybe some mushrooms if you like them. Making jacket potatoes? Toss in some chopped onions in a pan, fry them for a few minutes, then add the baked beans to heat. Making a pie? Don’t forget to add some peas as a side dish.

The last tip I’m sharing is adding some fruits with the dessert. You are having a slice of cake, add a fruit too. I love grapes with shortbread or a slice of chocolate cake with an orange. It makes me feel like I’m having more dessert, when, in fact, one is a really healthy option.

I hope you think my tips are helpful. Eating healthy is not a sprint, but a marathon, and every small choice matters.

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