Today's Tip: It's "Eat Your Vegetables Day"!

According to my sources at HungryGirl.com, today, June 17th, is Eat Your Vegetables Day. Of course in the Jennifer Niemann household that would be EVERY DAY! :)

Need some new ideas for veggies? 

'TIS THE SEASONING... Seasoning your veggies takes just seconds, and there are so many mixes out there to choose from. Seasoning mixes make it easy to get great-tasting veggies without having to figure out the right blend of spices. Plus, they're virtually calorie-free. Hit the spice section of the supermarket to find flavor mixes like Italian, Cajun, and lemon pepper. Your best bet for easy seasoning is to go for the mixes in shakers, as opposed to packets -- the packeted products are typically meant to be mixed with water and/or added during cooking. If sodium's a concern, look for no-salt options like McCormick's Perfect Pinch Salt Free line (note the Fiesta Citrus blend) and all of the salt-free seasonings from Mrs. Dash (our fave is the Southwest Chipotle or try the Tomato Basic Garlic blend). Good stuff!

SAUCY LITTLE MIXES... If you're feeling saucy, toss your veggies in some low-fat marinara. Look for Dei Fratelli or Classico who both make some really delicious sauces with 70 calories or less per 1/2-cup serving. Another option? Amy's Organic Chunky Tomato Bisque works perfectly as a creamy red sauce. If red isn't your color, try mixing things up with a little low-calorie marinade like Lawry's Teriyaki Marinade with Pineapple Juice or Mrs. Dash Garlic Lime Marinade.  They are technically marinades, but that doesn't mean you can't add just a splash to steamed veggies for flavor! Plus, they're generally low in calories and fat.

SALAD DAYS... Treat your hot veggies like their cooler counterparts by tossing 'em in some low-cal salad dressing. My absolute FAVORITE is Newman's Own Lite Low Fat Sesame Ginger salad dressing or his lite Balsamic Vinaigrette which tastes great on just about every veggie and has only 35 calories and 1.5g fat per 2-tbsp. serving. Or if you prefer, try the Newman's Own Lite Honey Mustard dressing. Or saute your veggies for dinner and make a little extra to have cold on your salad the next day with a little grilled chicken. 

Need more recipes?  Just let me know :).