When it comes to eating healthily getting an abundance of fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to ensure we get a variety of nutrients that our body needs on a daily basis. Even though the principle might be simple to understand in theory, many people have trouble putting their knowledge into practice especially if they define themselves as picky eaters. However healthy eating does not mean living on salads on a daily basis as some might be inclined to believe. In fact there are several ways in which you can increase your fruits and vegetable intake in enjoyable ways that will make healthy eating hardly noticeable.
It is possible to make eating healthy less of a chore if you are wiling to try a variety of tips and tricks to boost nutrition without sacrificing taste. Often a lack of variety when it comes to the cooking methods or a routine when it comes to eating are some of them main culprits that make people less eager to try a variety of nutrient dense foods. However the transition to a healthier way of eating can be done in several different ways. Here are a few examples you can try: 
Add vegetables to your favorite smoothies. Even though smoothies and fruit juices eliminate the of the fibers that fruits and vegetables contain in abundance they can still help you fill some of your nutritional gaps without too much effort. Start with fruits or veggies you mildly like and get accustomed with them and gradually make new combinations as your taste buds adjust.
Don’t eat vegetables plain. Trying to eat vegetables plain or overcooking them is one of the most frequent mistakes that people who don’t like vegetables make in an effort to eat healthier. However this habit can be a very detrimental one. However trying to eat vegetables roasted, adding cheese, avocado or nuts, dipping them into delicious sauces or even adding vegetables purees to some of your favorite foods can completely change your perspective about vegetables.
Soups can also be a great way to get more veggies without really noticing. Learning to reduce the bitterness of certain foods can also increase the chances of enjoying new foods. The bitterness of certain vegetables can be reduced if you soak them in salted water overnight.
Try organic varieties. Often conventional fruits and vegetables can have a noticeable different taste from organic varieties as these have not been processed as much. The difference in taste can be tremendous, especially on some fruits and vegetables that require a greater use of pesticide to grow them. Moreover, some studies suggest that organic fruits and vegetables might have higher concentrations of nutrients than conventional varieties. Moreover organic fruits and veggies are better for the environment so giving them a try can be beneficial for a variety of reasons beyond health.
Work on the presentation and be realistic. At often times, the way a food is presented to us can have a great impact on our willingness to try that food. That’s why a little bit of time spent arranging the food can have a great overall impact so it is wise not to overlook this aspect if you are making an effort to improve your eating habits.
Also, you should understand that it takes time to get our taste buds to adjust to new flavors so it is important to keep foods at different time intervals before making a definite decision about them.
Experiment with exotic foods. Trying a few exotic fruits and vegetables from time to time can help keep boredom at bay when it comes to eating healthily and it can also help you get a greater variety of different nutrients. The same logic can apply to spices and condiments as these can help you explore new tastes and expand your vision about cooking in general as well as your preferences.
Credit: Thinstock Photos
