'Operation Try Healthy Vegetables'

Operation Try Healthy Vegetables is in effect. It is also known as Operation Healthy Tom. But don't put too much into it. It's been slowly proceeding in fits and starts for many years. Over the years, I have slowly, unenthusiastically and often reluctantly attempted to incorporate or at least try new, different, healthier vegetables. Tomatoes were one of the first. I never ate them growing up, even though neighbors and relatives grew them in their yards all red and ripe and plump. I think one day I had one on a hamburger, ate it and liked it. I'll eat them if you put them on a dish. We grow them in our garden as well. Mushrooms were also a new addition. I will still pick them out of a pizza but will unhesitatingly eat what can't be extracted. I finally started to be a big boy and eat my broccoli. As we get older, we read many articles that tout its healthy properties. I can eat these little bushes now. Cauliflower? Well, it depends on how it is prepared. Carol prepared a cauliflower rice dish that was excellent. Brussels sprouts? That's a more difficult call. Roasted perhaps? Last week, as I visited a board and care facility, a lady working there was preparing some healthy mix. I came in, asked about it, took a whiff, commented on it and went about my visit. Soon, here she came with a bowl of healthy vegetables that included cauliflower. Again, I was a big boy and ate them. Like Mikey in the old Life cereal commercial, "Hey, he likes it." Our friends Jeff and Janis recently had us over for, wait for it, roasted celery root. It was good and good for you. He wrapped it with a large cabbage leaf. Although I do not enjoy squash or zucchini, Jeff also made us a soup from them and it was truly good. Items that have not made the "like" list include jickama, turnips, olives and cucumber. One can only be so healthy. Before you give me a hearty pat on the back and push a big dish of greens to me, I also can consume the occasional chocolate doughnut or bowl of ice cream. Also, various meats (hot dogs, hamburgers and steak) are still on the menu. All in all, it's been fun "expanding my horizons," as Carol says. Now where are those cookies? Tom Rupp is a Folsom resident and weekly Telegraph columnist. You can reach him at truppfolsom@yahoo.com.