Getting Your Kids to Eat Their Veggies

Kids can be picky eaters, but veggies are so important, what can we do to make it easier? We all need to eat our vegetables, especially our children who are growing strong teeth and bones, and healthy brains. If this is a struggle, check out the ideas we discussed with Eve Russo on WFMZ.

Kids like fruit smoothies, especially in the summer. Make a fruit smoothie and make it taste good! – Berries, apple, coconut water or water. Once they enjoy this, then get sneaky – Add some avocado for good fats, cucumbers make it refreshing (peeled if needed to avoid any green color). Add spinach which doesn’t have much taste if you can get by the change in color. Then add kale, ginger, beets (nice color) For years my kids had no idea how many veggies were in there.

Make popsicles! Once you have a smoothie, (This works better with pink or purple such as raspberries or beets.) add maple syrup and pour into cup and make a popsicle. The kids will have no idea of the true ingredients, or maybe they would enjoy helping! Cut the cup open with scissors. It’s the healthiest dessert.

Get the kids involved! Make a garden in your backyard where the kids could help and perhaps decide what plants to grow.  This would get them involved in watering and eating those delicious fresh veggies, which helps them appreciate and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Make the kitchen fun. Have them enjoy the kitchen with veggie crafts. Perhaps they can create their own each day. Make sure to include a healthy dip such as hummus, guacamole, sunbutter or tzatziki sauce because dips add more fun to the meal!

Being a good example to your kids and getting them involved will help them appreciate the value of healthy eating.  And will help stick for the long term!