Growing Veggie Lovers

Today my good friend Zina from Let's Lasso the Moon joins us for a few tips for getting your little ones to eat veggies. It's been a busy week at the house and over at Develop. I look forward to checking in with you again soon.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Tiffany

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Want to grow veggie lovers? Last month Tiffany and I were chatting on the phone when I heard her Peanut scoff at the idea of eating carrots. I mentioned, “Tell her Santa’s reindeer love carrots; that they are one of their dietary staples.” We continued on with our conversation and I hadn’t thought much of the comment until today when Tiffany said her lady is obsessed with carrots now. Ah, it is all about parental marketing!

Today I am going to share five basic (sometimes overlooked) tips for getting your kids to, not just eat veggies, but actually like them.

1. Let them play—I walked away for a moment, when I returned to chop up my stalk of broccoli I found this. {smiles} Of course, I made a big deal out of it, laughed and yelled, “Hey, who’s eating my broccoli tree?” Generally we insist on good manners at dinner, except when it comes to veggies. We let the girls eat green beans with their hands if they wish. If they are putting vegetables in their mouth, I let it go. *Check out the “play” scenario showcased in the video below!
   
   
2. Buy it fresh—I have purchase about a million & one bags of mini, pre-cut, pre-washed carrots in my life. Last year I noticed regular sized organic carrots were only 98 cents; they were sitting next to my $3 bag of minis. The first time I bought whole carrots, peeled, and then cut them I was so enchanted by the fresh smell that I posted on Facebook. I asked, “What have I been missing all these years?”
   
   Let’s Lasso the Moon Tip: Cut your carrot into very small, thin sticks. We usually cut the carrot down to about 2 inches long by ¼ inch thick.
   
   
3. Never utter these infamous words, “You may have dessert after you eat your vegetables.” It is the equivalent of telling your child veggies are yucky & something they inherently should not enjoy. When’s the last time you said, “You’re welcome to play outside after you finished your sucker?” Take away that ‘you have to eat them or else’ stigma. At our house we actually serve dessert with dinner (mind you, a small portion). You’d be surprised how much this has simplified our lives.
   
   
4. Participate—Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I follow in his footsteps by telling you, be the change you want to see in your family. If you want your kids to like eating veggies grab a carrot once and a while. Make vegetable recipes you enjoy.  Stumped? Check out the Peanut Blossom Bring Back the Family Meal board on Pinterest for ideas.
   
   
5. And my favorite, sure fire approach for getting kids to eat veggies? Pop on over to my kitchen table over at Let’s Lasso the Moon & I’ll whisper the secret in your ear.

I’d love to hear any additional suggestions you have… let’s chat in the comments below.

Comments

[Sawsan@chef in disguise]

Thank you for the great tips Zina..I loved reading them.
Blessfully my kids love veges maybe because I love veges and they are part of our meals everyday..they see me and their dad eat and enjoy veges.
I think presentation is key too. Serving veges to kids in an attractive manner or with a healthy dip