Vegetables - Love 'Em Like You Love Chocolate

Mmmm ... chocolate. Just reading the word is enough to make me start salivating like Pavlov's dog. We all have foods that just make us drool, but not too many people list "vegetables" as one of their biggest cravings.

If eating your vegetables is more of a have-to than a want-to activity, try some of these tips. In time, you'll start to love -- and even crave -- vegetables.

• Choose babies. As vegetables mature, the flavors grow stronger. In some cases, that makes the mature vegetable more bitter than the "baby" version. Look for baby artichokes, carrots, turnips, Brussels sprouts and squashes. (Oh, and those so-called "baby" carrots in a bag are usually just regular carrots trimmed down. Look for true baby carrots with the greens still attached.)
  
• Opt for oils. Use small amounts of oil or fat to flavor your vegetables. Olive oil is a healthy choice and great for sauteing. Butter isn't great for your health, but if a tiny bit is the difference between eating vegetables and not eating vegetables -- then go for it. You can also try a butter substitute with all the flavor but without the calories and unhealthy fats.
• Try a new cooking style. There are more options for vegetables besides raw and steamed. Try blanching or roasting your vegetables.

AOL Health has more tips for loving your vegetables.

Tell us ... what's your favorite vegetable? What's your favorite way to prepare it?