All those mothers out there know just how frustrating it is to get your kids to eat all the things they should be eating right? Please let me know that I am not alone in my futile efforts to make spinach appetizing to a 4 year old! Since culinary school and my major dictates that I take a nutrition class and other classes focusing on food preparation and relation to nutrients I would say that I have gained a pretty good working knowledge of what and how to prepare healthy foods. The only catch is how to make these foods something kids will eat. I have experienced many a night at the dinner table pleading with Landon to eat the broccoli that has since become cold on his plate. There is help though and since my son is one picky eater I feel that these will pretty much work with any child. (or husband for that matter!)
1. Try roasting the vegetables.
I know that everyone has heard of roasting vegetables, but I tell you it's great! I recently tried roasted kale. It was delicious! Since it's thin it takes on the texture of chips. If your not a fan of dark leafy greens (which you should be because their loaded with folic acid!) then try broccoli or carrots, they are absolutely delicious and taste a lot better than their steamed counterparts. The rule of thumb pretty much is 425F oven, lightly coat the vegetables in olive or canola oil, and season with herbs, salt, pepper anything dry. Roast in the oven until the edges are turn golden brown. Even your kids will like them.
2. Pureed in the cheese sauce.
I haven't met a kid that doesn't like macaroni and cheese. Any macaroni and cheese can become that much better for them by adding a pureed dark green. My favorites with Landon are spinach and brussel sprouts, two vegetables I could never get him to eat in their whole form. Puree the steamed vegetables with about a tablespoon of water. Add the cheese sauce and stir in the pasta... they will never know!
3. Always serve dairy.
My son is not a fan of milk which is horrible for growing kids. I have had to find other ways to get the white stuff in his diet, I always serve a smoothie with breakfast. This gives him all the fruits and dairy he needs to start the day and I have started to carry this to dinner. It's one way that I know he gets the calcium he needs.
4. Add oatmeal.
I have started to add oats to everything! Landon loves pancakes so we now only eat oatmeal pancakes. Also I make chocolate chip oatmeal cookies which are my husband's favorite so that's not too much of a hard sell. I am experimenting with applesauce and honey as a sweetener so I will definitely let you know how that turns out.
These are just some of the ways that try to make our eating habits a little healthier. If you ever are looking for more just leave me a comment and I will try to email you some as I come across them in my studies and research!
I love this! Admittedly I'm kind of picky too, I have a hard time finding veggies that I like, but I'm going to try your suggestions!
ReplyDeleteThis is really helpful. I do have one very large child to take care of by the name of Cpl Tomlin. He doesn't like his veggies. lol
ReplyDeleteVeggies were honestly never a problem for my son. Believe it or not, I had a struggle with fruit! He still won't eat it unless it's mashed up in oatmeal. Meat also feels like a losing battle. Oh, and he doesn't like mac 'n cheese. I guess that's the first child you've ever heard that doesn't like mac 'n cheese. lol! So, disguising food in that would be difficult. His eating habits are slowly improving. I guess it's just all about taking one battle at a time.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you'll love the "Mommy's Locked In the Bathroom" book. It's hilarious, and I've learned some really good spiritual advice in dealing with the every day ploits of motherhood. I don't think it's available for Kindle, but there are people selling new and used copies, on Amazon, for under 50 cents. Somebody is even selling it for a penny! Can't beat that! :)