Last night I told Ryan that lately I just haven’t been feeling vegetables.
His reply? “Well, that’s better than you not feelin’ me.”
Good point, I suppose.
In general, I really do like vegetables, but I think I’ve been eating them the same way over and over again which is getting a little dull. I miss looking forward to eating vegetables and hope to get a little creative with my veggie prep in the future until they regain luster in my life.
Until then, I’ll continue to sneak vegetables into my diet in the form of soup, sandwich toppings and noodle bowls.
And smoothies!
This afternoon I snuck a boatload of spinach into a smoothie for lunch. It’s been more than a month (or two?) since I’ve had a smoothie and I was in the mood!
In the mix:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 packet instant coffee
- 1 spoonful peanut butter
- 1 large spoonful cocoa powder
- Large handful fresh spinach
- Large handful ice cubes
Served with a clementine on the side because Florida citrus is unbelievable right now.
There seem to be orange trees all over Ocala. I am constantly tempted to pull my car over in some random person’s driveway and fill up a bag with the fresh fruit hanging from their personal orange tree. I have a feeling that would be frowned upon… or illegal.
I also had a cookie for dessert. More on that later!
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Hey Julie! Here are some ideas to help bust you out of your veggie rut. Hope they help. 🙂
Lettuce wraps…you can stuff extra veggies in them too!
Coleslaw…Brussels sprouts work great as a cabbage replacement.
Tacos…pile in lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, etc.
I just tried the most awesome sauteed brussel sprouts recipe. So good!! Has pancetta and garlic in it, Yummo!
Julie, I LOVE to stir fry veggies! Especially cabbage with broccoli slaw. Add in some chicken and put in on top of brown rice. Very tasty and super filling 🙂
Ha! I meant to reply to comment 52, lol.
Brussels Sprouts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m all about them lately…….
I get into those kinds of moods too! It usually goes away on its own, but good for you for coming up with a way to sneak them in!
On my list of new years resolutions is to get a blender so I can add spinach to a smoothie. Right now I don’t drink them because in the past I’ve said I’d rather eat the food, but I think I’m ready for another shot!
I would try to add some influences from other cuisines to spice up your veggies.
You could make an indian version with curry and other spices, thai with coconut milk, stir fry, etc.
I’ve never seen anyone put instant coffee in a smoothie but it sounds delicious! I may have to give that a try soon. I always try to Sneak in vegetables the best way I can. I especially like veggie eggs for breakfast, salad or smoothie for lunch, and a “vegetable base” like a pizza or even spaghetti. I always enjoy reading your blog everyday 🙂
You know I think if the fruit is hanging over their wall or fence it becomes public property. At least that’s how it is here in California.
I totally feel you on the veggies. I just don’t want them as much during the winter. I think mainly because I’m all about salads during summer with lots of veg because they are cool and refreshing; and during the winter I want warm, comfort food. I’ve been telling myself daily I need to eat more veggies, but it isn’t happening as much as i’d like.
It’s not that I haven’t been feeling the vegetables lately it’s just that they’re being inched out by all the SWEETS! I had 2 muffins, a biscotti and a piece of bark today when usually one or more of those “snacks” would’ve been a veg or a piece of fruit in non-holiday season. Oh well, January will be here soon enough.
Pasta is another great way to sneak in the veggies- marinara sauce makes a great disguise!
I just made this smoothie for breakfast this morning! I had a Starbucks VIA packet I added in, and it tastes great! I haven’t had a smoothie in a while either, since it’s cold up here in PA!
Julie – thought this might be up your alley!
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/cooking-meals/5-ways-to-break-out-of-your-winter-salad-rut-162805
thank you!!!
hey julie i know this is a little late BUT i have been eating what you call ‘dippy’ eggs on top of green beans, cauliflower, or broccoli. ( i like mine with hot sauce) but super delicious! and i know how you feel about over medium eggs
sounds good! thanks for the idea!
Ahhh its been weeks since I had a smoothie as well! I miss it, and cant wait to get my blender out of storage again 🙂
I’ve been wanting to try this smoothie recipe since you posted! But my blender had been broke! Santa brought me a brand new one and the smoothie is delicious!!
so glad you enjoyed it!
Okay I just have never understood this, how can you Americans prepare a meal without vegetables? Surely with every meal contains at least 50% veg? If not how do you actually maintain healthy bowels, skin, heart etc? Surely you cannot call ‘Mac & Cheese’ a meal?!? I would not bother preparing something so nutritionally unbalanced for me or my family. How can you ‘go off’ veg?
Any idea what the nutritional value of this shake is?
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Great looking smoothie!
I def like your idea of finding ways to sneak in vegetables into it! I like how you have spinach added in here 🙂
I also made a peanut butter version of a smoothie (but peanut butter chocolate banana smoothie) in case you ever want to check it out! http://www.primephysiquenutrition.com/2013/try-this-creamy-peanut-butter-chocolate-banana-smoothie/
Next time I’ll have to try adding a bit of spinach or protein powder to it! Thanks for sharing your post 🙂
Any idea the nutritional value and/or calorie count of this smoothie?
I make a similar smoothie all the time! I have been following you for years on this! You should create an eBook with all of your recipes 🙂