We all know it: we should eat more vegetables. Yet, between busy schedules, ready-made meals, and the fries-and-sausage options at the cafeteria, vegetables often take a back seat.
But some of us—myself included—love spinach, grated carrots, or a creamy zucchini purée. Even if you didn’t grow up with these tastes, it’s never too late. Rediscovering vegetables is about reconnecting with simplicity, nature, and the true flavors of food.
🌱 1. Why Eat Vegetables?
Vegetables are an essential source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They nourish our bodies without weighing us down and help offset deficiencies caused by a heavily processed diet.
🧬 Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients
Macronutrients: fats, carbohydrates, and proteins — our energy fuel.
Micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, trace elements — essential for all vital functions.
Vegetables don’t provide direct energy, but they allow the body to function at its best.
Even if you weren’t “raised on vegetables,” it’s never too late to start: listening to your natural instincts, cooking for yourself, and limiting processed foods is already a big step.
🍽️ 2. How to Eat Vegetables
🥕 Make Preparation Fun
Peeling, chopping, and cooking can feel like a chore. But with the right tools—spiralizer, mandoline, or food processor—it can be enjoyable.
Why not involve the kids? Cooking together helps them discover vegetables in a fun, hands-on way.
🥗 Raw or Cooked?
Raw: preserves vitamins — salads, carpaccios, or fresh crudités for dipping.
Cooked: offers softness and variety — steam, oven, pan, or boiled.
Pair vegetables with legumes (lentils, chickpeas) for complete and balanced meals.
🍵 Soups, a Timeless Classic
In winter, a hearty soup warms the soul.
In summer, try cold soups like gazpacho or zucchini velouté.
Experiment with recipes and global flavors—you’ll be surprised how delicious vegetables can be.
🛒 3. How to Choose Vegetables
🧺 Shop at the Market
There’s nothing like strolling through fresh produce stalls. You’ll find fresh, local, seasonal vegetables—often tastier and cheaper than supermarket options.
👃 Trust Your Senses
Look at color, texture, and smell. A good vegetable is firm, fragrant, and visually appealing. And if possible, taste it—nothing beats firsthand experience!
🌍 4. Mix Classic and Exotic Vegetables
🥔 The Classics
Carrots, potatoes, cabbage, leeks… familiar, but full of potential.
Try roasted cabbage, glazed carrots, or parsnip purée—you might rediscover their magic.
If you have a garden, growing your own vegetables reveals their authentic flavor.
🫚 Roots and Exotic Veggies
Roots like ginger and turmeric add originality and health benefits.
Why not try vegetables from around the world: sweet potatoes, bok choy, yams, okra, chayote?
They bring color, flavor, and a touch of the exotic to everyday meals.
🌈 In Conclusion: Vegetables, a Pleasure to Rediscover
Rediscovering vegetables isn’t just about “eating healthy.”
It’s about enjoying real flavors, textures, colors, and culinary creativity.
Vegetables are more than a side dish—they are the silent heroes of a balanced, vibrant diet. 💚