Maybe you just need to start spending more time preparing interesting vegetables, making them the centerpiece of the meal instead of using them only as a side dish. Instead of thinking, “What should I have with this meat entrée,” start thinking, “What should I have with this asparagus?”
Where can you go for inspiration? The answers are all around your kitchen.
Try something different than steaming
Most vegetables can be grilled or roasted to enhance their flavor. Grill in big chunks then cut afterwards, so they will not fall through the grill. If you are roasting, be sure to cook more than you need and puree the extra vegetables to thicken sauces the healthy way.
Make smart substitutions
Instead of using bacon or ham to add flavor, switch to turkey bacon or turkey ham. But be careful to use it sparingly if you have high blood pressure. Try fruit juices instead of oil-based marinades. Sauté or steam in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth in place of water to add a little extra flavor.
Favor more flavor
Peas taste better with a little bit of fresh mint. Spinach with nutmeg is another flavorful combination. Sprinkle on anything that tastes good to you—from the herb garden, spice cabinet or refrigerator. Try adding flavored vinegar, citrus, nuts, chopped olives, onions, garlic or salsa. Small amounts of flavor-packed cheeses, such as feta, goat or fresh parmesan cheese, can add zest without adding a lot of fat. 
Maybe you just need to start spending more time preparing interesting vegetables, making them the centerpiece of the meal instead of using them only as a side dish. Instead of thinking, “What should I have with this meat entrée,” start thinking, “What should I have with this asparagus?”
Where can you go for inspiration? The answers are all around your kitchen.
Try something different than steaming
Most vegetables can be grilled or roasted to enhance their flavor. Grill in big chunks then cut afterwards, so they will not fall through the grill. If you are roasting, be sure to cook more than you need and puree the extra vegetables to thicken sauces the healthy way.
Make smart substitutions
Instead of using bacon or ham to add flavor, switch to turkey bacon or turkey ham. But be careful to use it sparingly if you have high blood pressure. Try fruit juices instead of oil-based marinades. Sauté or steam in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth in place of water to add a little extra flavor.
Favor more flavor
Peas taste better with a little bit of fresh mint. Spinach with nutmeg is another flavorful combination. Sprinkle on anything that tastes good to you—from the herb garden, spice cabinet or refrigerator. Try adding flavored vinegar, citrus, nuts, chopped olives, onions, garlic or salsa. Small amounts of flavor-packed cheeses, such as feta, goat or fresh parmesan cheese, can add zest without adding a lot of fat.
We are always hearing about how we should eat more vegetables. But having a side of plain broccoli or carrots at every meal can get a little dull. That is too bad, really, because vegetables are so tasty and are a natural fit for all kinds of creative cooking.
