I Hate Vegetables Too: How to Get 7-8 Salads' Worth of Nutrition in One Glass
You might be able to relate when I say, ‘I hate vegetables.’ There are many of us who simply don’t like any veggies on our plate. And that automatically means we’re in the no-salad club.
Does that mean we should never eat vegetables? Absolutely not (at least not if you care about your health).
For years, my dislike for vegetables kept me from eating as many as I should. But then I discovered juicing, a surprisingly simple way to turn those same vegetables into something I actually enjoy drinking. Before diving into that, let me share a little about why vegetables and I have always had a rocky relationship.
Confession Time: I Hate Vegetables (Particularly Salads)
As I shared earlier, I’m not a big fan of vegetables, and by extension, salads. I’d like to join “the salad club” for all the benefits, but I just don’t enjoy eating them as a meal.
I’m not saying vegetables or salads are bad. I fully understand that they’re a super healthy choice and should be part of everyone’s diet. Fresh leafy greens and other vegetables are chock-full of essential nutrients and fiber that support a balanced diet and help maintain a healthy weight.
But yes, I’m not the only one who struggles with salads. Many people simply don’t eat enough vegetables and salads, or if they do, they don’t like the experience very much.
Why Don’t I Like Vegetables and Salads?
Vegetables, for the most part, can be a challenge to stick with religiously. The same goes for salads, which are usually veggie-heavy. Even if you eat them during a diet, it’s easy to give up after a while.
And I believe there are a couple of reasons behind this, at least in my case:
They take too long to finish: Sure, salads are quick to prepare, as there’s no cooking involved. But eating them is a completely different story. Those big, leafy, crunchy bowls can take forever to finish, and I don’t want to spend my whole lunch break on half a salad.
They’re not always tasty: Some salads are really delicious, I’ll admit. But most of us aren’t chefs and make horrible salads that are just not appetizing. Food is both nourishment and enjoyment for me, and I want meals that actually taste good.
Yes, that’s my personal opinion, but many others share it. Here’s how a user on Reddit described their dislike of salad:
“I’ve always struggled with the variety of textures and large sizes of leaves/chunks of things. I can eat a deconstructed salad no problem, but all of those textures in a single bowl together stresses me out (especially when out at a restaurant).”
Another one chimed in:
“I have the same issues, I just don't enjoy salads yes I know they are healthy but they not fun to eat.”
According to a 2024 YouGov survey, 40% of Americans said they eat salad a few times a week, but only 6% reported eating it daily. The numbers show that while many people include salads in their diet, most don’t make them a consistent, everyday habit.
Why Do Vegetables Taste Bad?
Many vegetables don’t have any strong taste to appeal to our taste receptors, or some are simply too bitter. Vegetables taste bitter as a defense mechanism in nature to protect themselves from predators. And humans, in turn, dislike bitterness since birth because of survival instincts (poisonous things are usually bitter).
That’s just the science of it all. But interestingly, some people may dislike vegetables even more than others. These people have a gene that makes vegetables taste too bitter to them. That gene also affects how dark chocolate or even coffee tastes to them.
So, if you think vegetables taste bad, you might just be right. But does that mean you should avoid them and any salads that have them at all? Not really.
There’s a hope for so-called vegetable haters like us. Allow me to share.
How to Like Salad: Enter Juicing
Don’t like salads and vegetables taste bad? No problem, try juicing!
Yes, juicing is the best alternative to salads (compared to no salads at all in your diet). Juicing, especially cold-pressed juicing, extracts most of the nutrients from the ingredients pretty well. This way, you get the goodness of a salad in a glass, minus most of the fiber.
And trust me, it’s much easier to gulp down a glass of green juice than finish a bowl of salad with leafy greens.
Two to three cups of leafy greens, such as kale or lettuce, shrink into a single shot of juice. You can finish that in one go.
With the right juicer, you can juice almost any salad ingredients. Kale, lettuce, mustard greens, cabbage, you name it. Add some fruits to these greens, and you have a juice that’s much tastier than its salad counterpart. The sweetness of fruits easily masks any bitterness.
And here’s another benefit, juices digest quickly and put less strain on your stomach. Salads are great too, but their high fiber can feel heavy and sometimes cause bloating, especially for beginners.
The only downside to drinking your vegetables (as a juice), instead of eating them, is that you don’t get all that fiber, which is good for you. However, you can still get some fiber by keeping your juice pulpy. And make up the rest with foods you enjoy, like whole fruits, nuts, or cereals.
How to Start Eating Vegetables When You Hate Them: Top Juicing Recipes
So you dislike vegetables and salads, but still want their nutrition? Juicing is the solution. Particularly green juices that lean heavily on leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, and more.
I’ve compiled a list of nutritious and tasty juice recipes that are essentially a salad in a glass. These recipes strike the right balance of ingredients to provide you with an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And even though many of these recipes use fruits as well, they largely focus on vegetables.
Explore the different juice recipes:
How to Make Juicing a Habit
Compared to salads, juices are a little easier to stick with. They’re quick to make and drink. And if you follow our recipes, you’ll make them tasty as well. Follow our tips to turn juicing into a long-term habit and keep vegetables a steady part of your diet.
Here we go:
Find your "why": Before you start, think about why you want to make juicing a habit. Is it for more energy, better skin, weight loss, fitness goals, or simply to increase your fruit and vegetable intake? Knowing your motivation will help you stay on track.
Start small and simple: Don't try to juice every day from the get-go. Begin with juicing a couple of times a week, and use simple recipes with ingredients you enjoy and can easily find.
Create a routine: Incorporate juicing into your daily schedule. You could juice in the morning, after your workout, or as an afternoon snack. This will make juices a regular part of your day.
Prep ahead: Wash and chop your ingredients as soon as you buy it. Store prepped ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge so it’s ready when you are.
Invest in a good juicer: This goes without saying, but get a slow juicer that is easy to assemble, use, and clean.
Keep it fun and exciting: Experiment with different fruits and vegetables to create new flavor combinations. Look up new recipes and even share your creations on social media to connect with others on a similar journey.
Batch juicing to save time: Make juices in batches if you’re short on time. Prepare different blends over the weekend and store them in the fridge for up to 72 hours, or freeze portions to enjoy later.
How to Like Vegetables Anyway
Let me clarify this: juicing vegetables and salads is an alternative but not a complete solution. Whole vegetables still need a place in your diet for balance. And the good news is, there are ways to make them more enjoyable, maybe even delicious.
Here are some ways I’ve found to include more vegetables in my diet:
Roasted veggies can be a game-changer. Just add a little bit of olive oil and seasonings, and roast the veggies in the baking oven or air fryer. You’ll notice a significant difference in taste with roasting or grilling. You can roast veggies like cauliflower, turnips, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Add cheese to roasted veggies or even raw veggies. I find that healthy cheese options like low-fat cottage cheese or feta pair well with salad greens and balance out some of the bitterness.
Sneak in veggies in your food, wherever possible. Wraps, sandwiches, pasta, or stir-fries are easy ways to add cucumbers, onions, beets, carrots, or leafy greens without focusing on flavor.
Use sauces to enhance the flavor: Whether eating raw or cooked veggies, use condiments like hot sauce, ranch, and vinegar dressings to give a flavor punch.
Blended soups for the win: If veggie textures put you off, blending them into soups is an easy, tasty solution.
Nutrition without the Lettuce Dread
Hating vegetables is understandable. However, it shouldn’t stop you from including them in your diet, especially when you can juice them. Don’t miss out on the incredible health benefits they can bring, like longevity, disease prevention, and weight management.
Just juice your veggies while also ensuring that you eat them whole as part of your meals at least a few times per week.
Want more ideas? Follow and subscribe to the Hurom America YouTube channel for interesting Juicing Academy videos packed with tips and recipes.
And for now, check out the first episode.
FAQs
Does juicing remove all the fiber?
Juicing removes most insoluble fiber since it’s in the pulp, which gets separated. However, it keeps some soluble fiber, which dissolves in water and stays in the juice depending on the method.
How many times a week should I juice?
Juicing four to five times per week is typically enough to supplement your diet. This frequency supports your nutrient intake while still leaving room for the fiber and fullness benefits of whole fruits and vegetables.
Why don't I like vegetables?
You may dislike vegetables due to genetic taste sensitivity, texture preferences, or past negative experiences. Some people are more sensitive to bitter compounds found in certain vegetables like kale or Brussels sprouts.
I don't like vegetables, but I want to eat healthily. What should I do?
You can eat healthy even if you dislike vegetables by blending them into smoothies or juicing them for an easier option. Adding fruits helps mask bitterness while still giving you nutrients. You can also use sauces and seasonings to improve flavor. Over time, gradual exposure and new preparation methods often make vegetables more enjoyable.
Is juicing expensive compared to salads?
Juicing can be a little more expensive than salads due to the higher quantity of ingredients required. However, juicing at home is much cheaper than buying salads from the supermarket or restaurant.
Can I replace all my salads with juice?
Don’t replace all salads with juice. Make sure that you’re including some salads in your diet. This can be a side to your main dish or your lunch every few days. Eating salads is a great way to get whole vegetables and fruits, which, in turn, provide fiber along with other nutrients.