A Picky Wife

[MikeStew]

So I’m a newly wed and my wife and I are trying to eat healthier now that we live off campus.

The biggest problem is that we were raised very differently. Where I would’ve had raw or steamed vegetables, she had them boiled and sweetened.

She is a little apprehensive to trying anything new and generally doesn’t like the bitter flavors that are associated with darker greens.

Does anyone have any tips for integrating some healthier food into our diet so that she can try something new and tasty but also good for us?

[NannyEJ]

Perhaps after you have steamed or lightly boiled them, toss them in a little butter - tastes wonderful! It is important for you both to eat a variety of vegetables. Not just for all the vitamins and minerals they contain, but we now know they help to support a diverse microbiome, which scientists are telling us contribute to our mood, our immune systems and weight control. Getting into the habit of healthy eating will be good for you both and your family (eventually). Cooking from scratch will be better as you control what you have and it will be cheaper than ‘convenience’ food.

You also can disguise some veg by grating carrots or courgettes into chilli or spag bol meals. Good luck! 🤞

[Fran182716 Prediabetic in reply to NannyEJ]

I’d second a little melted butter and grated black pepper or garlic pepper. You could also mix veg - start off with a higher proportion of sweeter veg like peas, carrots, sweet corn, sweet potato, with a smaller quantity of green veg, then as your wife’s taste buds adjust alter the proportions.

[Kai--]

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If you’ve a blender, MikeStew, smoothies are so easy (& tasty 😋 ) you’d never know leafy greens 🥬 🍃 🌱 were tossed in: healthunlocked.com/healthye...

Go ahead, experiment 👨‍🔬 .

See if your beloved 💏 would even notice that she was sipping a drink 🍹 that included spinach, kale, etc.. 😯

Good luck, MikeStew. ☺️ 🙏 🍀 🌺 🌞

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[Activity2004 Administrator]

Welcome to the group. Thank you for introducing yourself and your wife. Please feel free to continue posting and commenting/asking questions anytime. We have a Topics section for meals/snacks/etc. as ideas and suggestions.

What is her favorite vegetable? You can always try and see if you can have that type of vegetable raw/cooked/mixed with a salad/soup/side dish.😀👍

[Hidden]

personally I don't think how she likes to eat her veg..is your biggest problem.

[WebMistress IF Star]

Have you tried artichokes with mayo? I know it sound counter-intuitive to suggest mayo as healthy, but it's not as bad as some would think, and it's a good way to dip artichokes, you could also use grass-fed (cows) butter and garlic, or Aioli, or lemon-butter. Artichokes are just so good to me, and it's something that if you both love you can enjoy together. Just a thought!

[Cooper27 Administrator]

I think bitter greens (like kale) can be hidden in stir frys or soups (I make one with chorizo, diced veg (e.g. onion, mushroom, carrot, celery), a handful of kale and tinned chopped tomatoes).

The best thing to do to broaden her horizons is to meet in the middle. Maybe sweeten 1 veg, and leave one plain.

Look at other ways to make them taste different, like drizzling lemon juice on or roasting cauliflower with some curry powder.