RAISING HEALTHY KIDS
Getting your kids to eat healthy is a challenge. Sure we should lead by example. Let them see us enjoying that yummy broccoli and they are sure to follow suit, right? That may work for some but most times it won't. Kids like flavors that are sweet. I used to say, put sprinkles on anything and they will eat it. But realistically that is just icky.
WHAT NOT TO DO
I once told my daughter she was not getting up from the table until she finished her veggies. The end result was, she sat at the table for 5 hours until she fell asleep. SHE WON AGAIN. We make the mistake of thinking we are in charge.
I'm sure I will get flack on this but you have to trick them! I had my kids convinced for years that fish was chicken. Does that make me a bad parent? Maybe, but they ate the fish.
THE ONE-BITE RULE
Studies show we need to bite into food at least eight times before deciding if we like it. Have you ever thought you didn't like something, only to realize later you did? Tell them they don't have to eat the whole thing but they have to take a bite. They might be surprised to find they do like it.
MAKE IT SWEET
Kids tend to like sweet vegetables more than Green. Raw Honey and Agave are healthy sweeteners. Granted you can't put it on green beans and broccoli. It does, however ,go really well with vegetables such as yams and carrots. If there are any vegetables they will eat, give it to them.
MAKE IT FUN
Make it into a game or story!Remember how we tricked babies into eating by pretending the spoon was an airplane. The concept is the same. They have to eat the green trees before the dragon finds them. Well, you get the idea. There is almost nothing that can't be made into a game.
PUT CHEESE ON IT
I can't think of anything that doesn't taste better with cheese on it. Broccoli tastes great with Cheddar or Parmesan on it.
SNEAK IT IN A SMOOTHIE
Everybody loves Smoothies! It is great for masking vegetables, especially Green Veggies. Here are a few recipes to try:
SPINACH BANANA
One banana
A handful of Baby Spinach
One cup of Almond Milk
Agave or Honey
AVOCADO MANGO
Half an Avocado
Half Cup of Mango
Agave or Honey
How do you get your kids to eat healthy?
