There are some vegetables guaranteed to make us say YUK!. Kale, brussel sprouts I’m looking at you. But I’m going to change all that. You can fall in love with all the veggies you thought you hated, with these super simple tips.
Kale
Hipsters of the world are saying all hail to the kale, and its no wonder. Per calorie it has more calcium than milk and iron than beef, basically its chock full of good stuff! It can also help to reduce inflammation, which causes nasties like cancer and other diseases. In other words, it’s really really good for you.
But who am I kidding? We all know that kale can be bitter and tough – ugh! The solution, give your kale a massage. Yep rub some olive oil, lemon juice and salt into your kale leaves. Within minutes, the leaves will soften and turn a vibrant green. Suddenly kale is delicious. Check out this step by step guide to massaging kale on the I Quit Sugar website.
Beets
Okay so beets are earthy *code for they taste like dirt*. But they are also one of the worlds healthiest vegetables. They are a rich natural source of iron and folate, and studies have shown they may lower blood pressure, and boost your brain power. If you’re not down with eating dirt, don’t worry. You can rid beets of their earthy taste by roasting them in the oven with coconut or olive oil. Once you have roasted them, you can add them to salads, smoothies, pizza and burgers. I even keep a couple in the freezer, so I never skip a beet!
Brussel Sprouts
Hands up who hates Brussel sprouts? Okay so that’s about everyone. Chances are your parents are to blame. When brussel sprouts are overcooked they release an organic compound containing sulphur, which smells like rotten eggs. So if, like me, you were forced to eat your brussel sprouts before you left the dinner table, it’s no wonder this vegetable is not on the top of your shopping list.
But take it from me, its worth giving brussel sprouts another shot. Sprouts are high in vitamin C and vitamin K, and some studies have even suggested they may lower the risk of cancer. Plus they are mouth-watering…true story!
For brussel sprout beginners the best way to eat them is thinly shredded with bacon, because nobody said no to bacon, ever! I cooked Martha Stewart’s shredded brussel sprout with pancetta recipe, and my husband loved it. But shhhhhhh, his knowledge of brussel sprout eating, zero!
Broccoli
Don’t like broccoli? It might be genetic. Studies have shown that about 25% of the population have a gene taste receptor that makes green vegetables like broccoli extra bitter. The good news, a little thing like DNA won’t stop you making friends with broccoli. And good thing too. Broccoli is a great source of vitamins K and C, folate, potassium and fibre, and like other green veggies may help fight cancer and heart disease.
The good news, it’s simple to make broccoli delicious. All you need is an easy peasy dressing to drizzle over the top. I’m talking a tablespoon of olive oil, half a lemon juiced and salt and pepper and your broccoli will be bangin’.
Mushrooms
So mushrooms are fungi, and if you think too much about, well yuk! It’s no wonder that people either love them or hate them. Even if you think they are bland, or don’t like the texture, there is no denying this is one vegetable that is super good for you. Studies have shown mushrooms can increase your level of Vitamin D and improve your immune system. They are also great for people watching their waistline, because they are low-calorie, but still highly nutritious. So how can you become a mushroom lover? Its simple! Saute chopped button mushrooms with a clove of crushed garlic and butter until they are tender and golden. Just like that, the mushrooms will have a whole new taste and texture – its magic mushrooms, without the hallucinations…seriously!
What vegetables make you screw up your nose? Let me know in the comments below.
Hi, I'm Rani! 
