Getting Fruits & Veggies into Kids

 

You want to make sure your child is eating enough fruits and vegetables, but kids just don’t want to go near them.  Some parents resort to hiding fruits and vegetables in kid-friendly foods.  But some nutrition experts feel that if kids don’t know they are eating this good food, they may never make the connection to eat it in the future.

Be sure you are setting a good example by eating fruits and vegetables in front of your child, as children who see adults eating healthy foods are more apt to try them.  But if the only way your picky eater will go near fruits and vegetables is if they are hidden in your family recipes, then try these tips:

·        Puree broccoli, carrots or spinach and mix into tomato sauce.

·        Tuck mushrooms, onions or zucchini into a casserole, chili or meatloaf.

·        Whip up some carrot muffins or zucchini bread.

·        Sprinkle diced broccoli or other veggies onto pizza.

·        Make fruit smoothies.

·        Add cut-up broccoli or cauliflower to macaroni and cheese.

·        Make vegetable soup.

·        Keep a bowl of cut up vegetables in a transparent container in the refrigerator.  Serve at meals or as snacks with low fat dressings or dips.

 

Deborah Mumm

www.healthy-environments.com

www.info4juiceplus.com