I’ve never really struggled with eating any greens because I simply love the vast majority of them. But I know some of you might not like specific tastes, and in order to get all the vitamins and minerals in, the greens should be somehow included. Or you might be like me when you love them already, but you just need new meal ideas. I find the following perfect for summer when the combination of heat and longer days just long for something light and easy to digest.

One of my year-round favorites are soups. But it hasn’t always been so, as only a couple of years back I still thought they were too time-consuming for me to make. On the contrary, they are simple, easy and delicious. You just need an inspiration, few organizational skills (as different vegetables take different times to cook), and some practice.

There are a million ways to a perfect soup. I like to begin mine with lightly grilling onions on some olive oil, possibly adding some garlic to the mix, a tiny pinch of sea salt and greens like celery, zucchini, squash, spinach, green beans, peas (whichever you like), possibly a tomato, some pre-cooked lentils, and quinoa or cereal of your preference. I grill them until they blend in with each other and then add some boiled water and leave for a couple of minutes. The whole process should take you about half an hour, including the preparation part.

Add some fresh spices like parsley or basil and dried ones like pepper, chili or turmeric which is a great spice to boost your immune system.

And Bon appetite.

Another way to have your greens disguised is by making salad wraps as they are simple, versatile and delicious.

• Pick out big leafy parts that can serve as the base.
• Spread over a thick coat of hummus or some other bean-based spread. Beans are low in fat, packed in protein, balance out your blood sugar levels, are nutrient-rich, complex in carbs and fiber, including antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals as copper, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. And I think best of all is that they are budget friendly.
• Then add your favorite cereal. I for example really love quinoa (which is also a complete protein). Also add some more fresh veggies, for example, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers. And to be even more sophisticated, you may add fruit of your choice. I prefer seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, peaches, and berries.
• You can additionally sprinkle them with seeds such as chia, flax, and sunflower. And voila! There you have your healthy greens in a sheep’s clothing.