But My Kids Don’t Like Veggies
This is a concern that I hear from parents on a regular basis – “How do I get my kids to eat more fruits and vegetables?” Children (and adults) like to eat what they are accustomed to eating. If they are used to the taste of fruits and vegetables they enjoy it. If they are used to the taste of chips and cookies they prefer that. Unfortunately, the United States offers an abundance of foods that are higher in fat and calorie, such as burgers, fries, pizza, soft drinks, etc. If these are the types of foods your kids have always had, that is what they prefer.
Fortunately, our bodies are amazing creations. They can adjust to whatever we expose them to. The trick is to introduce new things to them slowly over time. It is very unlikely that your child will suddenly like broccoli the first time you put it on their plate. Don’t be disappointed when you hear, “But I don’t like to eat trees, Mommy.” It will take the consistent introduction of the taste over time to allow their palate to accept it. Just give them a small amount every now and then, and tell them that they must try a few bites. Make sure they also have something on their plate that they like. We want meals to be enjoyable for them.
This all applies to adults as well. If you are trying to get yourself to choose healthier foods you also must try them on a regular basis. Remember, you won’t always like the taste at first but over time you’ll find that you will actually begin to like it. It really is possible! And don’t forget that you cannot ask your children to eat their veggies if you aren’t eating them as well. Be a good role model for your kids. They will appreciate you for it when they are older.
Find ways to present vegetables and fruits in a way that seems fun. Try using a crinkle cutter or small cookie cutters on celery, carrots, apples, bananas, or canned pear halves. Call them different names such as broccoli trees (with a raisin hidden inside—They like surprises!), carrot or celery swords, or ants on a log (cream cheese stuffed celery stalks with raisins). Add cheese to vegetables. Talk about the colors and textures of the foods. Kids identify well with color. Let them arrange foods into a rainbow. Get creative, and make it fun!
Dietitian Mom Launched!
I am very happy to announce the launch of Dietitian Mom! I created this blog to help other moms learn to feed their family in a healthy way. I am a mom and a Registered Dietitian, and I work with parents regularly who want to change the way they eat for the sake of their own health as well as for their children’s. We all want to teach our children good habits so that they become healthy, happy adults. We don’t want them to struggle with weight or health issues as many adults do. These habits need to begin when they’re young, and I am here to give you advice all along the way. We will discuss when to eat, what to eat, how much to eat, simple,yummy, kid-friendly recipes, eating in restaurants and at parties, feeding your children when they’re sick, how to get your kids active, and much more!email me and ask general questions or questions specifically pertaining to your family. Chances are very good that others will have the same questions. I am here to help YOU and all of your friends and family, so please direct them to my blog and subscribe.
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I am going to leave you today with a simple recipe that your whole family is sure to enjoy– just in case you were wondering what on earth you are going to cook tonight.
Easy Chicken Nuggets
1 lb boneless skinless chicken tenders, cut into 1 1/2 in pieces (for the kids)
1/4 c honey mustard
1 pkg Shake-n-Bake
Toss chicken pieces in honey mustard to cover. Place covered chicken in a bag with Shake-n-Bake mix. Toss until all of chicken is covered. Place on a baking pan and bake at 400F for 15 min. or until no longer pink the middle. Dip in additional honey mustard, ketchup, or your favorite sauce. Serve with a side of steamed sliced carrots or green beans and milk. Quick and easy. Enjoy!
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