10 SECRETS TO CREATING VEGGIE-LOVING KIDS
Author: Lisa Hogan

Baltimore, MD - November 18, 2003 - Get a group of parents together and start talking about nutrition, inevitably the same question comes up over and over again, “How can I get my children to eat vegetables?” With over 93% of American children NOT eating the required 5 fruits and vegetables daily, it’s not surprising to hear their parents’ cries.


If you are begging and cajoling your little ones to eat “more greens”, then read on because there is help. Recently, I found a treasure trove of a book called Smart Food,Smart Families by Clinical Nutritionist, Dr. Laura Thompson. This book contains dozens of kid-tested ways to help your children not only be willing to taste but actually love eating veggies!


Here’s the top 10 list that will hopefully open not only open your children’s minds but also their mouths!

10) Add pureed vegetables (like broccoli,zucchini,squash,
corn and peas) in a burrito wrap (cheese and meat are
optional).

9) Grate zucchini or squash then puree it in the blender
and add to spaghetti sauce.

8) Find a local pick-your-own farm for a day adventure!

7) Eat organic! My kids can tell the difference! They
say their veggies taste better and they are pesticide-
free!

6) Create a dipping fiesta! Steam veggies until they
are fairly soft (or better yet eat them raw) and try
dipping them in different sauces like teriyaki, ranch,
Bar B.Q., ketchup, bleu cheese, and Thai peanut
sauce.

5) Give your veggie dish a funny creative name that will
entice them to try it like "Princess Peas” or “Ninja
Potatoes”.

4) Kids love to help! Have them prepare the vegetables
for your meals like husking the corn, shelling the
peas or washing and separating the broccoli florets.

3) It’s a wrap! Lettuce wraps that is. Use Bok Choy,
spinach, endives or lettuce and fill with tiny chopped
veggies, spices, nuts, and fruits. Then top it with a
Thai peanut sauce. Wrap it up and enjoy!

2) Muffins and coffee cake are great for slipping in
finely grated or chopped veggies like zucchini,
carrots, squash, and yams.

1) Let your kids grow their own garden. Even with no
space, you can have containers on a deck or porch.
There is nothing like caring for a plant, watering it
and seeing your reward sprout in front of your own
eyes.


For more information on Smart Food, Smart Families call, 1-800- 608-5602 or go to www.smartfoodsmartfamilies.com.









--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Health Advocate and Researcher, Lisa Hogan started out over 7 years ago determined to find natural solutions for her son's attention and focus issues. In her seminars entitled "The ADHD Puzzle - Fitting the pieces together" she shares the results of her research. Due to the repeated requests of many parents from the seminars and 1-on-1 consultations, this article is the answer to many parents' questions about how in the world to get their kids to eat veggies. :) Lisa serves as a Health Coach for families looking to improve their health through nutrition. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful boys. Lisa Hogan can be reached at 410-931-1017 or by email at lisahogan@msn.com.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click here to return to the articles summary page.