Veggies Made Easy: From 'Ew' to 'Mmm' in 3 Simple Steps
Hey Wonder Woman,
We’ve all been there. You’re sitting at the dinner table, staring down a plate of green stuff, and instantly regretting that you said you’d eat “healthy” this week.
Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli—oh my! You wonder if you can somehow make them disappear without anyone noticing.
It’s not your fault. Seriously. It’s totally normal. You’re not a bad person for thinking broccoli might be better used as a doorstop than as food. We’ve all felt that way at some point.
Here’s the thing: a lot of veggies, like Brussels sprouts, have a naturally bitter flavor that just doesn’t vibe with everyone’s taste buds. Some of us are even "supertasters," meaning we’re extra sensitive to these flavors. (Yep, it’s a real thing!) If you’re one of those, no wonder you’re eyeing your plate like, “Yeah, not today, kale.”
But guess what? You don’t have to live in veggie avoidance mode. If you want to boost your health with more plants in your life but you’re convinced you’d rather eat a sock than a sprout, here’s a fun three-step plan to make veggies a little more... tolerable.
1. Challenge Yourself: Dare to Try Something New!
You know that one vegetable you’ve always avoided, maybe since you were eight years old and decided for life that Brussels sprouts are "gross"? It’s time to face your fears and give it another shot.
Pick a veggie you’d never dream of eating and give it a go. Even if it’s just a tiny taste, consider it a "food experiment." You might not love it on the first try, but that’s okay. Studies show that we often need to try a food several times before we start to like it. Heck, you might surprise yourself! 🤯
Here’s a quick win: Try roasting Brussels sprouts with a bit of olive oil and sea salt. The roasting process caramelizes their natural sugars and transforms them from bitter to delicious.
2. Complement the Flavor: Make Veggies Work for You!
Not into the bitter flavors of kale or Brussels sprouts? No problem. Time to play matchmaker with your veggies and other foods. Pairing veggies with other flavors can totally balance out the bitterness. Here are a few ideas to try:
Brussels sprouts + roasted sweet potatoes = heavenly combo
Spinach + creamy dal or a spicy ramen bowl = flavor bomb
Broccoli + roasted and drizzled with olive oil = a game-changer
Kale + tahini + lemon juice = a little magic
Sometimes, all it takes is a little spice, lemon, or vinegar to make those bitter notes mellow out. Think of it like a flavor makeover for your veggies. 💅
3. Cushion the Bitter Blow: Sweet and Fatty Saves the Day!
Turns out, sweet and fatty flavors can dampen the bitterness in veggies. Try adding a drizzle of olive oil, a bit of honey, or a sprinkle of goat cheese to your veggies. These little tricks make veggies way easier on the taste buds.
Here are some flavor combinations to try:
Kale + tahini + lemon juice
Radicchio + goat cheese + honey
Asparagus + garlic + feta + avocado + lemon
Brussels sprouts + bacon + onions
Broccoli + balsamic vinegar + olive oil
Endive + walnuts + mirin
These "cushioning" ingredients help make veggies a lot more palatable and might even turn them into something you actually look forward to eating.
Final Thought: Your Veggie Tribe is Out There 🌱
Not everyone needs to eat the same veggies, and that’s okay! Find what works for you. Here’s the goal: find veggies that:
✅ You digest well
✅ You can afford and access easily
✅ Fit your family’s preferences and traditions (because we know, family meals are important!)
✅ You can tolerate, or even love (once you find the right prep method)
Trust me, there’s a veggie out there for you. And with a little creativity, those green foods can go from “meh” to “yum” faster than you can say “Brussels sprouts.”
If you’re looking for more tips or meal inspiration, feel free to check out my Instagram where I share quick recipes and prep ideas for busy women like you. For a deeper dive into the science behind supertasters and food preferences, you can also visit this article.
You got this, mama! Go ahead and give those veggies a second chance—your health (and taste buds) will thank you.
What’s your go-to veggie combo? Let me know and let’s swap veggie secrets!
