I am surprised on how often I hear fruits and vegetables aren't eaten in other's homes. I have had my kids friends ask me "What is that?" as they point to a kiwi, mango or other staple in my home. My kids have very few qualms with fruits and vegetables, but meat is an entirely different story. My kids fought over the last asparagus at Easter dinner. They beg me for mango's, peaches and pea's.
If fruits and vegetables aren't eaten often in your home then make a goal to eat more. Much like when I tried out fitness classes, try new things. If you want your kids to be better eaters, it starts with you. Try picking out something new each week to try. As a family research it. Where is it grown? How is it typically prepared? Look up recipes and stories and as a family and try it more than one way.
When my grandpa lived near us he would always make the most exquisite and unique fruit and veggie trays. Always with something even out there for my family like a pummelo or star fruit. He was the one that showed me papaya is best with some lime juice on it. Plus my kids always looked forward to his wide array of berries. I always had to make sure to send them in clothes that could get berry stained.
Make sure to have fruits and vegetables at every meal. Eat those first before you fill up from your main protein. Show your kids how excited you are to eat them and enjoy them. Feel free to season your vegetable with yummy spices. Now that summer is here bbq them! There are tons of recipes on grilling vegetables and even some fruits, like peaches.
One of our favorite things to do as a family is go to a Farmers Market. My kids love going to Farmers Markets. Not only is it great for supporting local business's but a great way to see what is in season. Last year my son wanted to save his money just for the Farmers Market. He not only paid for 3 peaches, but took his precious time picking each one out. One for himself and one for each sister, what a nice brother. To this day he says it was the yummiest peach ever.
Here is my tip to how I first got Kadan to eat asparagus. Besides pretending to eat Veggie Tales guys, I used this recipe.
Sugar Grilled Asparagus:
1 bundle asparagus, about 20 spears
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 orange, zested
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Cut the tough ends off asparagus, roll in oil and coat with sugar and salt. Place asparagus on the grill and cook for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Turn asparagus to ensure even cooking. You know the asparagus are done when sugar is caramelized and asparagus are starting to look burnt. Sprinkle orange zest over asparagus before serving.
I know, I know, not the healthiest thing to eat. Over time I used less and less sugar till he didn't even realize there wasn't any sugar on them at all. You could do this with brown sugar carrots as well. Besides if your going to make your kid try a vegetable, why not one covered in sugar ;)
VS
My husband loves to make smoothies. He probably makes them almost daily. As long as you don't make them with sugar or ice cream these can be better snack choices. With cheaper fruit around the corner I recommend making your own freezer smoothie bags. If your banana's are going to go bad cut them up and add them to freezer bags. Then buy any kind of fruit like peaches, strawberries, black berries, blueberries, etc and add them as well.
Fruits and vegetables are so yummy and make great snacks. Make a goal on eating more. Make sure to refuel with these and not quick fix's and sugars!
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