Hey folks! I know my posts have been few and far between lately and there are a couple reasons for that: 1. Life – it’s busy sometimes. 2. Work – the 40 hour/week gig really cramps my style. 3. (And this one’s a biggie.) Coming up with a topic that YOU actually want/need to hear about AND that I haven’t already covered.
Seriously, thinking about WHAT to write about keeps me up at night. Granted, this may be partly due to the fact that I have no real social life to speak of, but that’s a story for another time… So, last night I had this CRAZY idea. It’s seriously NUTS – hold on to your britches. Remember the Ann Landers and “Dear Abby” columns in those things we used to read called newspapers? Well, I thought to myself, what if we do a “Ask Amy The RD” column? Genius, right?? It would give YOU an opportunity to tell me what you want to know or are interested in hearing my opinion on (and I gotta a LOT of opinions…) and it would generate topics for me to write about! It’s a win-win!
So if you’ve got a question, idea or topic you’d like to get my 2.5 cents on just email them to [email protected] and I’ll see what I can do. How does that sound? (Really, that was a rhetorical question, I’m gonna try it even if you think it’s a batshit crazy idea.)
For my first ‘column’ I’m going to address a topic that comes up a lot more frequently than I’d like it to – it’s about vegetables – and I’m not referring to corn, potatoes or anything drowning in Ranch dressing or cheese sauce… It’s the non-starchy colorful varieties that seem to be the most frequently cited when this ‘issue’ ‘crops’ up. If you haven’t already guessed where this is going, let me help you out…
There are a WHOLE LOT of people that “don’t like vegetables”. I’m not talking about not liking one or two vegetables – but rather, “all vegetables” – well, except for potatoes, corn and sometimes some of the other starchies (sweet potatoes, parsnips, winter squash, etc.). But at the mention spinach, broccoli or even green beans and these veggie haters think you’re from the devil. It’s insane. These are usually the same people that think that being healthy and/or eating Paleo means all meat, fat and bacon (because in their world’s bacon is its own food group…). Also, these folks often come to me wondering why they aren’t seeing results (feeling better, energy improvements, weight loss, etc.). AND every damn time I tell them that they’re doing it wrong – I am met with fierce opposition and an directed to or told about some website that they got their expert information from. Seriously internet, you’re KILLING me!!
When I start talking about what a ‘day of food’ should look like and start throwing the “V” word around, things get a little crazy and that’s when the questions start flying. Here’s a sample of what I encounter along with answers to the questions – you’re welcome…
Veggie Hater: Can I blend my vegetables into a smoothie with fruit and coconut milk and drink them?
Me: No.
Veggie Hater: What if I just blend the veggies without the fruit or do a vegetable juice?
Me: No. (Sometimes to be a smartass I say, “Sure, but you have to start juicing your meat and bacon too.” That usually ends that conversation fairly quickly.)
Veggie Hater: Can I do a ‘greens powder’?
Me: No.
Veggie Hater: What can I do? I don’t “like vegetables”.
Me: Are there ANY vegetables you like?
Veggie Hater: No.
Me: What about lettuce or carrots?
Veggie Hater: I can’t have carrots, can I? Isn’t there too much sugar? (This is often coming from someone that regularly eats ‘paleo’ cookies, puts honey in their tea and refers to ‘natural’ maple syrup as a health food…)
Me: Rolling my eyes, banging head against the wall.
Here’s where I explain that the sugar in carrots is minimal in comparison to the ‘paleo’ convenience foods/bars, etc. After this subject has been discussed for a better part of a decade and we agree that eating carrots will not result in a one way ticket to food hell – we delve back into the “are there any vegetables you like” question again. After it’s established that carrots, iceberg lettuce drowning in ranch dressing and that fried onion thing they have at the Outback pretty much round out ‘acceptable vegetables’ for the Veggie Hater the conversation continues:
Me: When was the last time you tried a vegetable that wasn’t lettuce or a carrots?
Veggie Hater: Third grade. (Sometimes the answer will be more recent, something like – “I microwaved some frozen broccoli last week and it made me gag.”) This leads us to:
Me: Did you put anything on your broccoli? Salt? Pepper? Anything?
Veggie Hater: No.
Me: Have you considered trying different ways of making and seasoning your vegetables. And have you thought about trying any new vegetables that you haven’t had before?
Veggie Hater: I don’t have time for that and I don’t know what to try. (Coming from someone that spent all last weekend binge watching Game of Thrones…)
This is the part where we talk about the wealth of recipes available online, talk about easy prep strategies (like buying veggies pre-washed, pre-cut and/or off of a grocery store salad bar. We also talk about trying one new vegetable per week and about how it can take a little time for your taste buds to appreciate the flavor of some veggies. Think about it like this – remember the first time you tried beer/alcohol or coffee for that matter. I’m not talking about doctored up versions with mixers, sugar, cream, etc. – but straight up beer, tequila or vodka and BLACK coffee. Did you like ’em? Did they taste awesome? Yeah, I’d venture to guess that for most of us the answer to both of those questions is a great big NO. But, did that stop you from continuing to drink them? Again, probably not; and you’ve likely either learned to like the taste OR you’ve figured out ways to soup up the stuff to make it taste better, am I right? This might sound wacky but this will work with veggies too. I know, crazy talk – but seriously, try it.
The bottom line is if you’re doing this healthy eating thing correctly, there’s gonna need to be some veggies involved. And I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – eating something you have to choke down because its ‘good for you’ is totally missing the point. BUT that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give everything a fighting chance. If you absolutely cannot stand Brussels sprouts then don’t eat them, but if the last and only time you’ve had them was at grandma’s house, boiled until they were dead – maybe it’s time you give them a second chance. And there are SO MANY different types of vegetables and ways they can be prepared and/or added to foods you already eat and enjoy. Spinach in your eggs, shredded zucchini in your chili, cauliflower rice, cabbage or collard leaves as ‘wraps’ for sandwich fillings… Really folks, I could do this all day. And seriously, if you can’t find even one vegetable that you like – you’re not trying very hard and you need to rethink your strategy. Will it take some thought? Yes. Will it take a little effort and planning? Probably. Do you have to like everything you try? Nope. Do you have to choke down something you truly can’t stand? Negatory.
I’m not saying that broccoli has to be your new favorite food or that you need to start writing love letters to sweet tomatoes – BUT you’ve got to give them a shot. Your body, health – and maybe even your taste buds – will thank you for it. So put that in your Vitamix and blend it.
Well, there ya have it – the debut of the “Ask Amy The RD” adventure. If you’d like this show to continue – let me know what YOU want to know! Send those emails to [email protected] and stay tuned for the next episode!
{sigh} Yeah, this is the usual: “Just try HARDER” advice. As a baby in a high chair (my mother reports), no matter how she fixed them or what she mixed them with (and she was a very good cook!) — if it was veg, I spit ’em out. Growing up, I spent hours and hours at the table after dinner (and couldn’t get the +@#%&*#&* dog to eat the stupid things either, so I could finally get up!). When I walk down the veg aisle in the grocery — they LOOK so good, but when I try them — at GOOD restaurants and on cruise ships — I gag.
It’s really and truly NOT as simple as ‘just suck it up.’ I’m what the Monel Chemical Lab in Philly calls a ‘super-taster’ — I taste things normal/the majority of folks cannot taste (or don’t find “unappealing.” I am overwhelmed by tastes ‘normal’ people barely notice.
In Grok’s day, I’d’ve been a valued ‘poison tester.’ Today? I’ve learned to eat a little bit of green pepper (mostly as a seasoning) and some iceberg lettuce with 100-Isl dressing, which, since I can’t buy it without soy oil means, no lettuce for me! I’m working on fresh tomato with fresh basil and olive oil: I can tentatively say: “this is edible,” but it’s sure not my first choice for food.
My taste buds SO do not “thank me” for veg! But, I realize your advice is for the major portion of the Bell Curve, not those of us way out on the tails!
I don’t think there was really any constructive advice for people who really and truly have tried, but just can’t stomach vegetables. Unfortunately for some “super tasters” (yes, it is a real phenomenon), even veggies hidden in chili, sauces, riced, etc., are detectable. I’d would have liked to hear something new to help my 25-year-old daughter, who physically gags when she tries to eat healthy vegetables and/or fruits…it doesn’t help to tell her to suck it up, or to pretend that it’s all in her head. It was actually heartening for me to read how many others are having difficulty with this – even I thought it was just my daughter’s problem! Looking forward to hearing new, more helpful advice!!
I have a sort of similar problem with food textures. It took me years to learn how to eat rice and pasta (particularly long strand pasta). Ive tried diligently but I cannot eat beans. I will never consume mashed potatoes for as long as I live. I know Paleo people don’t eat those things. I could never quite eat jiggly unrendered soft fat. My grandmother once paid me $20 to eat a roasted white mushroom. Other people don’t get it but the feeling of “trigger foods” in my mouth causes strong distress and lingering ptsd-like flashbacks. So I feel for supertasters.
I’m 36 and I have not gotten to the point where any non-starch vegetables taste even remotely good, BUT I had a gag reflex whenever I tried to eat most of them until the last 3-5 years or so.
Basically I started preparing them for myself, taking a bite with no intention of swallowing it. I could taste it, chew it and spit it out. (some people have to start without the chewing step). Take five bites like that. A week later try again with a different vegetable.
Now the only vegetable that still triggers an automatic gag reflex is onion.
Hi Amy,
I think you may have transposed the characters a bit here:
Veggie Hater: Can I do a ‘greens powder’?
A: No.
Me: What can I do? I don’t “like vegetables”.
Veggie Hater: Suck it up… (keep reading for details…)
Fixed! Thank you so much for catching that!! Now go eat your veggies!! 😉
Maybe I should write you a “Dear Amy” question about too many veggies—I love and crave veggies so much (especially in summer) that I struggle with judging myself for eating too much. E.g. when I make a giant salad (with appropriate portions of meat/fatty things for a single meal) and I am sated but then get hungry fairly quickly after I start to feel like I am over eating when I want another one and eat it three to four hours later. Often I think of the limitations a 30 day challenge (like the Whole 30) might put on portions, when I am feeling like this). (Sometimes my limiting earlier in the day leads to not ideal snacking of not as veggie-heavy stuff later in the day). It seems pretty clear to me that loading up on veggies is the better choice for me, though I still have the negative inner critic/worrier judging the heaps of tasty veggies I crave.
Don’t ever feel guilty for eating more vegetables!!! #crazytalk Just listen to your body and if it’s sending you veggie vibes then eat em’ up!
“Suck it up” advice isn’t very useful. Adults who hate veggies have had their whole lives to “suck it up” and clearly have not done so. It’s not going to happen. So perhaps some more useful advice might be what types of minerals and supplements they need to maintain health.
We live in a world of processed foods full of sugar and salt. We are so unused to the taste of real food. For SOME of those veggie haters, when they can avoid all processed foods AND so-called “paleo sweeteners” of any kind, they might be able to taste the natural sweetness in some veggies (especially enhanced with healthy fats, real salt, and maybe spices), and may gradually expand the palate. But some people will NEVER touch a vegetable. It’s the reality in their lives. So “suck it up” isn’t going to change things for them.
You’re right on all counts. I don’t actually tell anyone to ‘suck it up’, but we do talk about changing tastes and habits. Ultimately, if folks truly WANT to change and get healthy naturally, they will try veggies again. I think it’s fairly safe to bet that those that have zero interest will never read this post and that’s sad. Thanks for the feedback and I took the ‘suck it up’ line out. 🙂
You probably should check for trademark on “Ask Amy” because there is a long-running, syndicated advice column that has been using that name for 20 years.
As for veggies, I’m lucky. I love them, but I don’t think “suck it up” works for some people. If you have them, that advice basically turns them into medicine to be gagged down.
Hate them. Not “have them”. I wish I could edit my previous post. Sorry for the typo.
Growing up, most of the vegetables mom served were canned (except for potatoes), but were OK – it was all I knew. But because of an unfortunate childhood experience, I wouldn’t touch broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. Then mom read Atkins’ first book & Laurel’s Kitchen & switched to fresh vegetables. I was visiting at mealtime when she talked me into trying broccoli with cheese – and I liked it! For years I never ate broccoli or cauliflower without cheese, but now I do. Tho I still haven’t eaten Brussels sprouts! 🙂
Thank you for the article about adult behavior and vegetables. I think many people have bad experiences with vegetables as a child, especially where canned vegetables are concerned. Last summer I did a 30 day paleo diet and found that after 30 days of forcing myself not to eat sugary, processed garbage that my taste has changed and I actually like the taste of vegetables. I noticed a change in my family as well. When I ask my son to pick a vegetable for dinner he will ask for “steamed broccoli with salt and pepper”. I never thought I would hear those words, especially after months of dinner time drama. Sometime as an adult you just have to keep trying.
I think a post on how to eat paleo post gastric bypass would be beneficial.
Hi there! Beyond appropriate seasoning, etc, I give my patients and clients advice with exploring texture. As you alluded to with the boiled Brussels sprouts (I was a victim of those as a kid), sometimes it’s the texture as much as, or more than, the taste. Examples: making zucchini into noodles with a spiralizer; buying the broccoli slaw at the grocery store and making a sautee of it–even adding some of the prepped shaved Brussels sprouts for an extra boost; roasting Brussels sprouts until browned or even crispy–this has been the key for my hubs with a nice sprinkle of cherrywood smoked sea salt!; thick hearty mashed cauliflower “fauxtatoes” done right is magical as a bed for carnitas, etc; and just chopping the heck out of a bunch of vegs (broccoli good for this, among others) and seasoning in a sautee or making a salad of it with some balsamic vinaigrette or other safe/healthy dressing to eat on its own or added to a salad. A friend in the nutrition field does a Knife Skills class that she says really can be a game changer for so many. And then there’s always the ninja technique of finely chopping vegs and making them part of a chili or meat sauce as a thickener about which no one is the wiser. Just my $.02–less focus on taste and more on texture works for some. 🙂 ALL OF THAT SAID, I actually espouse greens powders as well. More is better, esp when the powders have the oddball stuff so many aren’t eating {waving hand while hanging head in shame} such as ocean vegs, microgreens, and others. One day my son will ask why his applesauce looks weird, but until then… 😉
Try stir frying shredded Brussels sprouts with ginger. They are delicious
There are so many different vegetables, and so many ways to cook them. Then, if you want to add all of the herbs, salts, and spices that can change it up into the conversation, I have a hard time thinking someone can’t find a veggie dish to love!
I too grew up with iceberg salads and canned veggies that were supposed to be the ‘healthy’ part of dinner, and decided certain veggies like green beans and spinach had lost their way from Hell. However, you do ‘suck it up’, in a sense, as you grow up, learn what veggies look like fresh, research how to make them taste good, and decide just because mom and dad ate it this way doesn’t mean I can’t find a different way, and maybe like it.
Last September, after a Whole 55, and then switching to Paleo (for the cookies (smirk)) I’ve lost over 30 lbs, feel great, look hot, and am in love with roasted Brussel sprouts, garlic carrots, steamed asparagus even without the bacon, and grilled zuchinni. The list goes on! Once you detox from processed eating, you really appreciate the sweetness in the flavors in all their nakedness….There is so much out there that you have yet to try! How do I know? Because there’s no possible way you have tried every amazing recipe out there!
Sucking it up simply translates to…if at first you don’t succeed, try it again..differently
Hi Amy! Good luck with your new site!
So here’s my question:
I eat healthy….so, I think. But, there’s so much “right and wrong” info about diet…who’s right.
Dairy for example. I have basically eliminated most, but from time-to-time I will induldge in Yogurt or cottage cheese….bad? Also, grain products….are they really a detriment to ones health?
Keep up the good work!
I sure miss our workouts in Austin….the gym’s not the same w/o you! “Cowboy”
Tom!
What is and isn’t healthy for someone depends greatly on the person and his/her health, goals and reaction to the food. There’s really no easy answer here. In terms of nutrient density – veggies are awesome. A base diet of lean proteins, veggies, healthy fats and some starchy veggies and fruit in amounts that are healthy for you, your goals and activity levels is going to be the best ticket to keeping you healthy for the long haul! 🙂
Once you get the processed foods out of your diet so you palate can adjust, its amazing how good veggies can be. I grew up eating canned corn, beans, and peas (which i refused to eat) as vegetables. My big achievement was eating broccoli on rare occasions as I was the only one in the house that liked it and snow peas.
I knew I needed more so we made a decision to try something new each week. When dining out I asked for a veggie side I’d never tasted to try a small amt instead of wasting a lot of food and things that i previously wouldn’t eat were surprisingly good. A few things took a few tries to find preparations we enjoyed but I look forward to my veggies and we’ve even signed up with a local CSA to have a local farm fresh grow for us so we have even more new vegetables to try.
Right on. That is exactly how it is in our house with my husband. 37 years, this vegetable lover (me) has had to put up with this vegetable hater (hubby). He used to make an effort when I hid vegetables in his food. But now he rejects all vegetables, point blank. He is not willing to fight to make himself healthier. The biggest problem is that creating two distinct meals, one healthy for me and my son, and one that isn’t. In the end, his family has no problems eating junky type foods, while my family has diabetes, including me, my brother and sister, and my son. In fact, in spite of an entire week eating healthy salads and meals with lots of veggies, this morning my blood sugar tested at 297!! I am really alarmed, with no real idea how to fix this. I have always been a heavy vegetable eater (growing up on a farm), cutting down on fattening and unhealthy toppings and so on. What am I to do?
You might want to look into doing a low carb paleo diet and tracking your blood sugar regularly.
You need to look at your entire diet. Are you eating lots of starchy veggies, fruits, paleo treats/baked goods or ‘natural sugars’ (honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, etc.). I would love to help you figure this out! If you’re interested in working with me just shoot an email to [email protected]. Keep eating lots of non-starchy veggies though. You can’t really go wrong there!
HI- I happen to love veggies and usually cook a lot of them, and eat them raw. But sometimes I go through phases where I just don’t want to cook. Why is it not ok to vitamix veggies (into a smoothie or a hot soup) rather than cook them? THanks!
Here’s the story! robbwolf.com/2013/06/27/smoothie-moves/
Unless you coat the inside of your Vitamix with sugar before making a smoothie, blending vegetables adds no extra calories or sugar (mainlining sugar give me a break). It’s just prechewed salad you can drink with a straw. If you eat the same vegetables (cucumber, spinach, carrot) the same amount of sugar/carbohydrate, water, minerals, vitamins and fiber will enter your body. The blender is not a magical device that makes vegetables or fruit more sugary/carby/cocainey than before. If that made even one iota of sense babies fed pureed carrot would be 200 lbs by age five.
Hi Amy:
I have been a loyal follower of your not so many (but very good) posts.
I have a suggestion for this part:
Me: Rolling my eyes, banging head against the wall.
Suggestion: take some duct tape and tape a pillow to the wall. You will need the cushioning with so many veggie haters out there
Regards
WildGrok from Miami Nice
You’re advice is priceless. #done
Tomatoes are a fruit.
Why is putting broccoli and spinach in my fruit smoothie a problem? I eat veggies all day – I appreciate the variety in a fruit/veg smoothie ( all fiber included)
Read this to help you understand – robbwolf.com/2013/06/27/smoothie-moves/
Why can’t I get my veggie fill from smoothies? I love cucumber, celery, spinach, romaine, ginger root, avacodo, and a few raspberries. I do mix it up with other veggies too.
That is my quickest and easiest way to get my greens. And I like the taste better.
Read this to help you understand – robbwolf.com/2013/06/27/smoothie-moves/
Dear Amy and Robb,
You ask if a could comfortably eat what I drink when I make my smoothie in the morning. Yes- 1/2 cucumber, large handful of mixed greens, stalk of celery, 1/2 apple or half cup blueberries, ice and a cup of unsweetened almond milk, make for a delicious start to my morning with a couple boiled eggs.
Can’t wait to get your new column! Please include recipes!
ditto on the recipes
Great post! Yes, I have heard every excuse in the book for not eating/liking veggies. I totally crave them, but I grew up eating them so to me it’s not a big deal. For my blog readers, I encourage starting small…buy some pre-washed organic baby spinach one week…try it different ways, like scrambled into eggs, with dressing (any dressing to start!!) as a salad, or blended into a smoothie. Keep a big bag of whole, organic carrots in the fridge and eat one every day (this majorly helped me with some hormone balancing issues!). Also roasting makes everything taste amazing. Love just about any veggie roasted with avo oil and himalayan salt. Thanks Amy love this one!!!
I’m not sure why you would say you can’t get your veggies in a smoothie. That’s not juicing so you’re getting all the vegetables. I love veggies and eat a lot of them but I also get even more in a smoothie. My favorite is a whole cucumber, a stalk of celery, a handful of greens, 1 lime, 1″ of ginger and some water. It’s yummy and very good for you.
Read this to help you understand – robbwolf.com/2013/06/27/smoothie-moves/
As a diabetic, I knew right away what the problem with smoothies was. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, will throttle your blood sugar like pre-chewed fruit. If you have a pancreas that can deal with sugar, you’d never detect the warfare happening in your system. That doesn’t mean it isn’t happening or doesn’t exist.
Fantastic points
I saw the RD and almost did not read the article . Every time I run into a RD its all about low fat, low salt ,sugar water, food pyramid diets that have destroyed the heathy and waist lines of America.
Not all RD’s are on that boat. Give us a chance!!!
I think an “Ask Amy” column is a great idea and I hope it takes off. I enjoyed this post (and I always do enjoy your and Robb’s posts) but reading the comments I have sympathy for those who don’t like veggies too.
Hi Amy, I have just recently joined the Paleo way of thinking after getting into it via Phil Maffetone and the fat-burning, low-heart rate training.
I do Ironman Triathlon, and have felt great since not having carbs for training. I’ve always been a massive advocate of lots of veg so i’ve got no gripes with everything you say above 🙂
Just a question about the smoothies though. I make my own smoothie for when I do long training – i.e. bike rides that are more than 2 hours long. They’re easier to carry and I feel I get real bang for my buck, but having read the smoothie article you link to in the above comments is this not advisable or is it OK to have the increased insulin response when used for hard training?
My smoothie consists of: almond milk (homemade), coconut water, a few berries, shot of beetroot juice, shot of wheatgrass juice, half an avocado, half a banana, raw cacao powder, turmeric, ground pepper, ceylon cinnamon powder, teaspoon of manuka honey and a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Appreciate your feedback, keep up the good work, despite the haters 🙂
Love your style, Amy! No-nonsense, cut to the chase, eat your veggies and get on with it. We invite our members to load up 50%-75% of their plates as veggies. While I get that some folks just don’t like veggies, I invite them to consider there are some subconscious patterns at play. I do enjoy a smoothie a few days per week (convenience, taste, etc), but the act of chewing whole food really helps with the digestive process too so I agree it’s ideal. And an individual journey so as one commenter suggested, get an inexpensive blood sugar monitor to see how they affect you! And as we Fitlandians say, “Solutions not excuses!” #imafitlandian
I LOVE the sarcasm!!! I literally LOL’d a couple of times! I’m learning how to love veggies myself, and am finding the more I experiment, the more I enjoy them!
For those trying to eat more veggies, I suggest roasting them! It is super easy and so VERY yummy! Pick your veggie of choice (my faves are brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes or asparagus), melt some butter and pour over the veggies, season with just salt and pepper, and maybe a little garlic (or whatever you like) and bake until slightly browned (or a little more if you like them a little crispy!). I always say, “I burned them just right!” haha What can I say, I like ’em crispy!
It’s worth a try! Anytime you can caramelize the natural sugars in the veggies, it adds a different flavor that you may never have tasted before! What does it hurt to try?
Thank you for this post! It was an enjoyable read and now I can’t wait to eat some roasted veggies!! 🙂
Can anyone help me contact Robb, it seems the site is having issues. Thank you.
Hi,
What sort of issues are you having?
Then its good, that veggies are unnecessary for a healthy lifestyle. Why force them into your mouth if you really dont like them? Whats the big deal about it? We all have something that we dont like, an we can be healthy without veggies. There isnt anything in veggies that we cannot get elsewhere. I dont know if some people would need the fibers (which i certainly dont), but you can take a supplement, and thats still better than struggling a whole life, eating something that you really hate. I dont even think humans where meant to eat vegetables, or maybe only in very small amounts.
This Veggie Hater’s answers to Amy’s questions.
Amy: Are there ANY vegetables you like?
Veggie Hater: Edamame? That’s a starch too? Damn it!
Amy: What about lettuce or carrots?
Veggie Hater: After years of working past a gag reflex, I can now tolerate both, with ranch (and croutons).
Amy: When was the last time you tried a vegetable that wasn’t lettuce or a carrots?
Veggie Hater: Last week. My family went out to eat and I ate three bites of the asparagus and one of the green beans in my green bean risotto. My rule for the last 11 years is that anytime I eat out one of my sides must be a vegetable and I have to eat 3 bites.
Amy: Did you put anything on your asparagus or green bean? Salt? Pepper? Anything?
Veggie Hater: Salt – I’ve read that it blocks bitter receptors on your tongue. I ate the green bean with risotto.
Amy: Have you considered trying different ways of making and seasoning your vegetables. And have you thought about trying any new vegetables that you haven’t had before?
Veggie Hater: Yes and I feel guilt either way. Buying vegetables to “try” and eat 3-5 bites feels wasteful, but not trying feels like I’ve given up. The only “WIN” I’ve had in the last 11 years is zucchini “noodles” for lasagna. Also, vegetables in sushi rolls that come with eel sauce.
I still hate beer and coffee. I only like Tequila in Margarita’s (thanks sugar) and Vodka in fruity martinis (thanks sugar). Luckily, that means I drink pretty rarely.
Seriously, there is nothing wrong with folks who have major sensory issues “drinking” their veggies in smoothies. My son with Autism gags on any veggies and eats only a handful of fruits. We still put veggies in different varieties on his plate. I make smoothies with either a banana or two pears and throw in a large handful of organic spinach and usually celery or else “tasteless” veggies like squash or zucchini, peanut butter and truvia, along with flaxseed meal and cocoa powder. He drinks this and sometimes green drinks like Naked Juice green machine and that’s what works for him. I will continue to look for others ways to get him eating his veggies, but seriously, sometimes we have to be flexible with our picky eaters to get the job done.
This is an older post but I have a question. What about lightly cooked veggies that are pureed with cooked meat and fats and warm bone broth. Doing that to help with digestion right now.
That could make them easier to digest. Pressure cooking or slow cooking them could help too.