Spinach: it's full of nutrients, a great source of fiber, and made Popeye a household name. Unfortunately it's not always the most exciting of vegetables to eat. Tired of staring at a bowl of limp green leaves? Try one of these 10 creative ways to work more spinach into your diet.
Green Smoothies: A classic for a reason. Blend spinach leaves right into your favorite smoothie recipe. Start with a couple handfuls of baby spinach and a chopped up banana, then add in your favorite fruits, a liquid, and any other supplements you like.
Add to Soup: Finish off your favorite soup recipe by adding a couple handfuls of chopped spinach at the end. Drop them in about five minutes before your soup is ready, and take them off the heat once the leaves have wilted.
Add to Pasta: Spinach is a great addition to your favorite pasta sauce. Roughly chop a handful of leaves, add them to warm sauce, and serve once they've wilted.
Scramble into Eggs: Saute two handfuls of chopped spinach in a nonstick skillet until wilted (1-2 minutes). Add two scrambled eggs and cook. Add salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese to taste. Enjoy!
Add to a Salad: Add baby spinach to your favorite mix of salad greens for a little extra nutrition in your next salad. Or go all the way by making spinach the entirety of your salad base. Try adding nuts, fruit, and goat cheese for a sweeter take on the traditional green salad.
Top a Pizza: Did you know you can bake spinach right into pizza crust? If you have some time to spare, a spinach pizza crust can help you save on carbohydrates while getting more of this delicious veggie. If you're short on time (or don't want to give up your traditional crust), add a few leaves on top before or after baking.
Make Some Chips: Spinach chips are about as easy as it gets. Toss a teaspoon of olive oil with a cup of washed and dried baby spinach. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, lay out in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, and bake at 325 for 8 to 10 minutes.
Add to Meatballs: Have a favorite meatball recipe? Make it just a little healthier by adding a cup of finely chopped spinach. Work in the greens and cook as usual: you won't even notice they're there.
Try a Greens Powder: Add a scoop of greens powder to your smoothie, oatmeal, or soup. You'll get all the benefits of a serving of spinach without having to eat it straight.
Work into a Sandwich: Why put iceberg lettuce on your sandwich when you could have spinach instead? Add spinach to your favorite sandwich to intensify the flavor and bulk up the nutritional content.
These ideas are just the beginning. The only limits to where you can add spinach to your diet are your imagination. Have fun!