Real Health / 6 Easy Ways To Get More Nutrients into Your Diet

6 Easy Ways To Get More Nutrients into Your Diet

October 23, 2024 Dr. Livingood

A colorful collage of healthy foods like nuts, fish, vegetables, and a green smoothie with the text, "How to get more nutrients into my diet?"

Are you getting enough nutrients in your daily diet? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably no, especially when it comes to green foods. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and today I’m going to share some simple strategies to help you sneak more nutrients into your meals, benefiting not only you but your family as well. Let’s dive into some fun and effective ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your diet!

1. Start Your Day with a Breakfast Smoothie

One of the easiest ways to pack nutrients into your day is by starting your morning with a breakfast smoothie. This is a game-changer, especially if you struggle to get enough green vegetables into your diet. The best part? You can add a handful of spinach or kale into your smoothie without even noticing it’s there.

By adding spinach or kale to your smoothie, you’re essentially eating a bowl of greens for breakfast, but in a more delicious and convenient form. In my household, we make smoothies with a collagen protein base, some healthy fats like coconut milk, and a mix of berries to keep the sugar content low. The kids love it, and they don’t even realize they’re consuming nutrient-dense greens. You can check out more smoothie recipes on my website to keep things fresh and exciting.

2. Upgrade Your Lunch: Swap the Lettuce

If you’re opting for a salad at lunch, great! But let’s make sure it’s truly nutrient-dense. Many people default to using romaine lettuce, which, while low in calories, is also low in nutrients. Instead, switch to spinach or another dark leafy green as the base for your salad. Spinach is loaded with vitamins and minerals, making it a far superior choice for fueling your body.

If you’re ordering out, don’t hesitate to ask for spinach as a substitute. You’ll feel more satisfied and energized, knowing that your meal is packed with the nutrients your body needs.

And here’s another simple tip for lunch: if you’re going to indulge in fries or another less healthy side, balance it out by also ordering a side of greens. Eat the greens first, and then enjoy the treat. You’ll be getting the best of both worlds—some indulgence paired with vital nutrients.

3. Snack Smart: Veggies and Hummus

We all love to snack, but snacking can easily derail healthy eating goals if we’re not careful. A favorite snack in my house is hummus with raw veggies like broccoli, cucumbers, and carrots. Not only is hummus a great source of fiber and protein but dipping your veggies in it makes for a delicious and satisfying snack.

You can prepare this in advance by chopping up a variety of vegetables at the beginning of the week. Store them in your fridge, so they’re ready to grab whenever you need a quick, nutritious snack. The crunch of fresh veggies with the creaminess of hummus makes it a winning combination for both taste and nutrition.

If you’re guilty of “grazing” before dinner (I know I am!), this is the perfect snack to have on hand. You’ll be getting a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber, and you won’t ruin your appetite for dinner.

4. Juice Up Your Greens

Another easy way to get more nutrients into your diet is by incorporating green juices. Be careful, though—many store-bought green juices are loaded with sugar, which can negate the health benefits. Look for low-carbohydrate green juices, or better yet, make your own at home.

If you don’t have time to juice your own greens, using a high-quality greens powder is an excellent alternative. These powders are packed with nutrients, enzymes, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory compounds. You can mix the powder with water or add it to your smoothie for an extra nutrient boost throughout the day.

When choosing a greens powder, make sure it’s free of added sugars and artificial ingredients. Look for ones sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit to keep the sugar content low. This is an easy way to stay on top of your nutrient intake while you’re on the go.

5. Make Veggies the Star of Your Dinner

At dinner time, focus on filling your plate with vegetables. There are so many delicious ways to prepare them—whether roasted, steamed, or grilled. Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and green beans are not only nutrient-dense but also extremely versatile.

If you struggle with making veggies appealing, try experimenting with different seasonings and cooking methods. Roasting veggies with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of sea salt can bring out their natural flavors and make them taste amazing. When you make vegetables the main star of your meal, you’re ensuring that your dinner is both satisfying and packed with nutrients.

Bonus Tip: Stay Consistent

It’s great to incorporate these nutrient-rich foods into your meals, but consistency is key. The best way to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients daily is to make these habits a regular part of your routine. Whether it’s adding spinach to your smoothie every morning, making smart lunch swaps, or snacking on veggies and hummus, the more consistent you are, the better you’ll feel.

At the end of the day, your body craves the nutrients found in green foods, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. By following these simple hacks, you can easily improve your nutrient intake and set a positive example for your family.

Final Thoughts

Getting more nutrients into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few simple tweaks—like adding greens to your smoothies, upgrading your salads, and snacking on fresh veggies—you can make a big impact on your health. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll also be setting a strong foundation for long-term wellness.

If you found these tips helpful, let me know in the comments! Feel free to ask any questions you have, and be sure to subscribe to my channel for more real health solutions that can help you on your journey to better health. Together, we can make nutrient-rich eating simple and enjoyable.

Back to blog

6 Easy Ways To Get More Nutrients into Your Diet