Dear Reader,

When I was young and lived in the U.S., I really disliked vegetables. I thought they were either bitter, sour, or bland, and compared their consumption to taking medicine. I would always force them down by covering them in ranch, or refusing them unless they were steamed into mush and covered with butter and salt.

So it seemed odd to me when I was watching Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro that there was a scene where the main characters sat down to eat some raw cucumbers, seasoned with nothing, and snacked on them like they were chips.

It was just an animation, but I still couldn’t get over how fresh they looked picked right off the farm, and the crunchy, crisp sound the cucumbers made when they bit into the vegetable. For the first time in my life I remember feeling like, Hey, I want to eat one of those.

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The real reason I didn’t like eating vegetables

My time in Japan made me realize the real reason why I didn’t like eating vegetables: I thought vegetables didn't taste good.

To be fair, a lot of the vegetables I was eating in the U.S. didn't taste good-- watery, flavorless, or bitter. But I realized that it's not all vegetables, and vegetables don't inherently taste bad.

When you cook with ingredients that are naturally sweet, aren’t bitter, and aren’t hard, you don’t need to cover the flavor of the vegetable with lots of salt, oil, or sugar. You enjoy the taste so you let the natural flavor come out, and only need to lightly dress the vegetables with seasonings. They can be delicious!

This is a wonderful revelation for sure, that I could eat healthily and still enjoy delicious food — but what did this mean once I returned to the U.S.?

Easy ways to find better vegetables to enjoy

I was worried that I would revert to my vegetable-disliking self in the U.S., but it turns out I made an important switch in my thinking when it came to healthy eating habits.

I began making an effort to go to farmers markets and choosing seasonal ingredients. It meant shopping for myself and getting excited about the new selection of vegetables being offered.

It doesn’t need to be expensive, boutique, or organic. In fact, you can get fresh and local produce for bulk at a cheaper price by signing up for a co-op program. Choosing vegetables that you enjoy is the difference that makes healthy eating sustainable, and not a chore.

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Quick tips for better vegetables ​

Buy seasonal Go to a farmer's market Sign up for a local co-op program​ Eat what you enjoy! Don't fuss too much about the specifics (yes, if frozen or prepared vegetables makes it an easier/more enjoyable experience for you, go for it!)

I’ve stopped cooking with sour American cucumbers and bitter green beans, covering them up in sauces and frying oil to force them down because they’re “healthy” for me.

Because the key to sustainable, healthier eating? If it brings you joy, you’ll naturally continue it for life, guaranteed.

Warmly,

Kaki

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