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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"40151","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Family Health Tip"}}]]This blog post first appeared on Kids HealthLine, courtesy of Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent.
Introducing your child to vegetables at an early age can lead to a lifetime of healthy eating. Whether your child is a fearless eater or super picky, use some of these tips to make veggies the star of every meal.
- Keep it simple and small. Smaller portions allow a child to try something without worry. Try giving your child two or three cherry tomatoes or a small serving of edamame to munch on. Getting lots of “yucks” or “no ways?” Continue serving a small portion of new veggies at lunch and dinner until your child finds a favorite. Then you can add this favored veggie to your routine grocery list.
- Pick your own adventure. Let your child pick out a vegetable he’s never tasted before. Head home and look up the best way to prepare it. Pick a recipe from the Internet or Pinterest that caters to your family’s tastes. Whether it’s roasted, grilled, mashed or baked, all that matters at the end of the night is that your child’s veggie horizons expand.
- Serve up something unexpected. How about vegetables instead of pasta? From roasted spaghetti squash topped with marinara to thin zucchini ribbons steamed and tossed in olive oil or butter, you can replace carbs with colorful, nutrient-filled veggies, instead of hiding them in casseroles or baked goods.
- Soothe any oncoming snack attacks. Be prepared for the cries of “Mom, I’m hungry” with favorites such as celery with peanut butter or carrot sticks with yogurt-based Ranch dip. Roll up thinly sliced veggies with non-fat cream cheese for quick pinwheels.
- Soup’s on! Chill out with gazpacho, a salsa-flavored cold soup. Serve with corn or tortilla chips to scoop up all the tomato goodness. Boost bean-based soups with regular hot dogs or veggie dogs for a quick no-fuss supper.
Find healthy side dishes and more with St. Vincent's Recipe blogs.
This article was reviewed by Katie Knudsen, R.D., pediatric registered dietitian, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.
