You might not be surprised to learn that I tend to go through phases when it comes to exercising regularly. And, well…let’s just say I can’t remember the last time I exercised…and I couldn’t tell you the next time I’m going to either. I could probably say that this “rut” is due to my new job, but it’s not. The truth is that I just don’t feel like exercising, so I’m not going to. That’s just what works for me, I suppose.
But, when exercise isn’t a part of my normal routine – and stress / lack of sleep / doughnuts are - I do like to try to fill my health tank in other ways. Enter: massive amounts of vegetables.
While I try to be one of those people who sneaks veggies into every meal, that’s usually not the case. Instead, I tend to load up on bang-for-your-buck veggie meals: be it ginormous salads, or something like Tuesday night’s dinner.
“5-a-day” vegetable stir fry.
This veggie stir fry is key for me when it comes to getting a ton of veggies into my day while still having a delicious and filling meal. The vegetable base I used can easily be switched up, but I love the colors and textures that this combination yielded.
FYI - I’m pretty sure that this has more than 5 servings…and that the daily recommended servings of vegetables has increased…but “5-a-day” just had such a ring to it 
ingredients:
- 1 large carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 cup broccoli
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 tablespoons Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce) **
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- salt and pepper to taste
** A friend recently introduced me to Liquid Aminos seasoning, which tastes almost exactly like soy sauce but with barely any sodium. Weird name, great flavor. I found it at Whole Foods.
directions: Cut/slice the vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Put canola oil in a large stove-top pan and turn to medium heat. Add vegetables to the pan (except for the spinach) and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables reach desired softness. You could also put a cover on the pan for the last few minutes to speed up the cooking process.
When the vegetables are cooked, turn off the heat and mix in the spinach. Then add the Liquid Aminos. Top with sunflower seeds.
Next time I might throw some chicken breast in the mix, but the veggies could absolutely stand on their own. Or, in this particular case, with a side of peanut butter hummus.
Health tank = refilled. And then some.
Do you eat vegetables with every meal?
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I make it a goal to eat some veggies at every meal - and I try to eat a salad every day because it’s an easy way to get the veggies in!
I’ve kinda been feeling the same way about exercising. I know if I do it when my mind isn’t into it, it’ll just be half-hearted and I’ll look for every excuse to stop. I finally feel like I want to jump back into it…which is awesome! I just know if I try to go before that it’ll be a waste of time.
I’ve always wondered what that liquid aminos stuff was because I have a cookbook that calls for it in a lot of recipes. I need to find it because I probably eat more soy sauce than is healthy!
I usually eat veggies or fruit with every meal. I feel like something is missing if I don’t!
Wow, looks really healthy and delicious:) Definitely filled the health tank:)
I try to either incorporate a fruit or veggie at each meal. But there are those days when nut butter & chocolate is the only thing that will suffice
I am not as good as I should be about eating veggies. I would rather eat fruit :/.
I know what you mean with exercise…sometimes I’m just not feeling it, or I just want to do a yoga-only exercise regime… so that’s what I’ve been doing! At least I’m moving. Bragg’s is soo good; I put it on everything!
I like to exercise, but I definitely go through ruts where it really, truly feels like a chore. But if you don’t want to do it - don’t!
I love veggies, but I don’t get them in at every meal. It’s not practical for me.
I love most veggies, but I can’t eat them with every meal - usually just lunch and dinner. I’m not a big veggie snacker either…I’m more of a sweet tooth.
You know how I feel about vegetables. Some days I eat like a week’s worth in one sitting, and some days I eat a serving the entire day. It all balances out. Currently I’m on the latter, but tomorrow I’ll probably be feeding a vegetable beast.
Great, great idea!
Hell naw I do not eat veggies at every meal! I usually do one big veggie thing per day and count that as all my servings. So basically, I pull a you!
Have a faaaab day before your bday, love! xoxo
i crave vegetables. even in the morning. but i try to get my BIG servings in at lunch with a monster salad or something!
nothing beats stir fry. LOVE.
I love all the colors in this!
I *try* to eat vegetables at both lunch and dinner. Lately, I’ve been really into roasted broccoli and brussels sprouts, which is making that easy to do!
I’m really bad about getting in enough veggies each day, but I’m trying to be better.
That stir fry looks delicious!
I try to eat veggies with every meal, but when I’m on a budget (like now) it sometimes falls through the cracks. Like you, I try to make up for it with a big veggie meal at some point in the day.
I have a bottle of Bragg’s in my pantry that I’ve had for over two years now because I’m scared to try it. If it’s not expired, I’ll probably try it now that I hear it isn’t disgusting!
Is health tank similar to love tank? (RHO Orange County, anyone?)
Love all those veggies- such a pretty meal!
hehe YES, yes it is! So glad somebody caught that
I love veggies but I am not entirely successful adding them to all my meals.
YUMM!! My friends and I have always just called it braggs so at first I wasn’t sure what you were talking about! That looks mega delicious!
I definitely try and get my veggies in at lunch and dinner! Occasionally, I’ll sneak some in for breakfast as well!
Yum. I love liquid aminos. So good on roasted broccoli!
yum! I will have to look for some liquid aminos, never heard of it!
ahah yes pb hummus and veggies are blissful together
.. i try to get some veggies in at lunch and dinner.. one of the two always has like 3 servings at least!
I love Braggs! My dad’s even an avid soy-sauce lover and picks that stuff over actual soy sauce.
I eat vegetables at lunch and dinner. I have this weird thing where those two meals MUST incorporate green of some sort. It’s a problem…
I beg to differ; you get plenty of exercise! What do you call dancing, running through the streets of NY etc! It may not be planned structured exercise, but it CERTAINLY is exercise and you are most definitely burning calories, getting major heart/health benefits (other than those not included in increased heart-rate, such as LAUGHTER, spending time with friends, enjoyment of life, fresh air). IMO you are living a healthier life than a most, because your exercise is part of your life! In other words, you are living!
Dancing with Friends>Zumba/Aerobics class any day!
You are very right!! I’ve probably been walking *at least* 2 miles each day.
I would love to eat vegetables at every meal! Sadly - that’s not usually the norm for me.
This stir fry looks delicious! I’m definitely going to have to try this.
im pretty good about eating veggies at both lunch and dinner because i totally crave them, but i always crave sweets at breakfast, so there are usually no veggies involved in that.
im totally for the “exercise if you feel like it” camp though - i don’t like to make exercise a chore and i find that even though i like staying active, i can do that through other things like walking around or some kind of social activity with a friend - that way, when i do feel like exercising (in a more structured way, i.e. going to the gym) it feels a lot more fun and refreshing!
i love veggies! i don’t eat them with breakfast usually but i always eat them with lunch and dinner. tonight i had a baked sweet potato
Yum! I actually have some Bragg’s but it’s never been opened, I’ve been feeling un inspired by what I should use it for! Now I think you’ve given me an idea!
I LOVE liquid aminos! I pour into onto everything
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