Greens are a great way to add a dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your diet. Greens are also loaded with antioxidants that help prevent cancer and heart disease. Long ago, do you remember how mom always preached to us at the dinner table to “eat our little trees” to ensure we grow up big and strong? Now that we are well into our adult years and may have our own kids, we understand how important getting these nutrients is.

I promise, there are more ways to get greens than just shoving kale down with every meal. If you're unsure where to start, here are ten ways to incorporate more greens into your meals.

Drink Green Smoothies

If you're not a fan of eating greens, or if it's hard for you to get enough servings each day, drinking green smoothies is an excellent alternative. A green smoothie can be made with fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables (the latter will give the drink a thicker consistency). You can also add some protein powder as well as some fat (like avocado) for extra creaminess!

If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating other foods into your smoothies, like kale or chia seeds. There are many recipes out there to experiment with to find a smoothie of your liking. 

Use Fresh Herbs as a Garnish for Soups and Salads

Fresh herbs are a great way to flavor and color your food. They're also healthy, so you can feel good about adding them to your meals. You can use fresh herbs instead of salt or pepper as a garnish for soups, salads, and cooking. Basil goes well with tomatoes; parsley tastes good with potatoes; cilantro makes tacos taste better (and gives them their "oomph").

You don't have to grow your own green thumb! There are plenty of places where you can buy fresh herbs – from farmers' markets, to grocery stores with produce sections – and they're not expensive either!

Buy Pre-Chopped Veggies in The Produce Section and Add Them to Each Meal

There are a few options when it comes to prepackaged veggies. Some have medleys to keep things interesting on your plate. Opt for a colorful-looking bag, tear it open, and throw it in a stir fry or on top of your rice to add in extra veggies! 

Add Spinach or Kale to Chili And Soups

Add spinach or kale to pasta sauces, chili, and stews. Some soup ideas are kale and white bean soup, spinach soup, or white chicken chili with kale added!

Bake Your Fluffy Leafy Greens into Chips! 

Chips?! You heard us. You can bake your kale and turn it into a chip! Just throw some olive oil and salt; boom, you have a crunchy, healthy treat. Mix all your ingredients in a large bowl and ensure all kale is covered with light oil. Add the kale to a baking sheet, bake for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F, and cook until the chips are lightly golden and perfectly crispy!

Turn Your Zucchini into Zoodles

You will need to purchase a spiralizer and some zucchini for this delicious meal! Once you have turned the boring zucchini into tasty-looking noodles, add oil, salt, and pepper and cook until soft. You can add any sauce you please or some meatballs! You won’t miss regular spaghetti (mostly). It has a similar consistency but provides your body with more nutrients and less sugar!!

Swap Your White Rice for Riced Cauliflower or Broccoli 

White rice increases blood sugar quickly, causing a crash later on. A simple but effective way to increase more greens and veggies into your diet is to swap for riced cauliflower or broccoli. The store sells this in the frozen section. 

Try New Recipes That Center Around Vegetables, Like Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a simple recipe that involves taking a pepper, cutting off the tops, adding your favorite meat, veggie, and some cheese, then baking (about 375 F) them until golden! It adds a fun way to spice up bell peppers to your diet. 

Air Fry! 

There truly is no green that you cannot air fry. Grab a few of your favorite greens, add some oil, pop in the air fryer and allow it to work its magic until golden! Add some light butter or seasoning to switch up the flavors. 

Try these 35 Easy Air Fryer Dinners.

Sneak Zucchini into Your Favorite Treats 

Did you know zucchini can be sneaky? You can now add it to bread and brownies for added fiber and vitamins. 

Try this Zucchini Bread.

The best way to incorporate more greens into your diet is just by trying them! You can easily add them to any meal or snack, and they're a perfect way to boost your daily intake of nutrients. Instead of gulping down coffee first thing, opt for a green smoothie. You may notice more energy! We hope this has helped add some creativity to your diet!