Eating more vegetables is a great way to boost your health and improve your diet. Many people struggle to consume enough vegetables each day, but with a few simple tricks, you can easily increase your vegetable intake. Here are five easy ways to incorporate more vegetables into your diet:

Hide Them in Your Favorite Dishes
A great way to eat more vegetables is to hide them in your favorite dishes. For example, grate zucchini, carrots, or beets and add them to pasta sauces, casseroles, or even burgers. You can also puree cooked cauliflower or squash and mix it into mac and cheese or mashed potatoes. This is a simple way to boost the nutritional content of your meals without changing the taste or texture significantly.

Use Them as a Base
Instead of reaching for refined grains, try using vegetables as a base for your meals. Cauliflower, for instance, can be transformed into a tasty rice substitute or pizza crust. Spiralize zucchini or carrots to create a bed of “noodles” for your favorite pasta sauce. You can also use large lettuce leaves or portobello mushroom caps as a base for burgers or sandwiches instead of a bun.

Eat Them Raw
Eating vegetables raw is one of the easiest ways to include more of them in your diet. Keep a stock of washed and cut carrots, celery, peppers, and other vegetables in your fridge for a quick snack. Raw vegetables are also great for dipping. Try making your own healthy dip with yogurt, hummus, or bean puree.

Blend Them Into a Smoothie
Smoothies are a fantastic way to pack a lot of vegetables into one delicious drink. Blend spinach, kale, or avocado into your favorite fruit smoothie for a nutrient-dense breakfast or snack. You can also add vegetables to your protein shakes. Try adding frozen cauliflower or zucchini to your shake for a creamier texture and a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Be Creative With Snacks
Vegetables don’t have to be boring. Get creative with your snacks by making vegetable chips or fries. Slice your favorite vegetables thinly, coat them lightly in olive oil, and bake them in the oven until crisp. You can also experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavors. Kale, beet, and parsnip chips are all healthy alternatives to traditional potato chips.