Sneaking In Vegetables

By Kelly Turner on July 13th, 2009

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When you set a plate of broccoli in front of your child, they can be pretty sneaky with getting rid of it: feeding it to the dog, hiding in in  their napkin, chewing it up and then quickly excusing them self from the table to go spit it in the toilet (not that I’ve ever done that.)

Now it’s your turn to be sneaky.

Avoid the dinner table drama but feeding your kids veggies, without them even knowing it.

• Sweet potatoes are the sweetest veggie around, and full of tons of vitamins and minerals.  Slice sweet potatoes, place them on a cookie sheet and bake them in the over at about 350 degrees for half an hour.  They turn out just like french fries, without the grease and added fat. (oven vary- cook until golden.)

• Mix pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!) into your child’s oatmeal, yogurt, or add it into pancake batter for a surprising sweet addition- plus tons of nutrients.
• Next time you make mashed potatoes, sub half the potatoes for cooked cauliflower, and mash together. I promise, no one will know the difference.
• Guacamole is every one’s favorite, but to cut a little fat and to add some extra fiber, also mash in some green peas. It will look the same, and taste the same, and getting your kids to eat their peas has never been easier.
• Avocado is a great substitution for unhealthy fat. Avocado can be substituted for butter in baked goods.  You wont taste the avocado, but it actually provides a smoother denser consistency to your baked goods.
• Next time you make spaghetti, use spaghetti squash instead of noodles. Your child will probably notice the difference, but encourage them to try it. Its fun, and tasty and a great way to get an extra serving of veggies and slash calories.

Be creative- trying different vegetables with your child gives them an opportunity to find a few they really enjoy, and next time maybe even eat willingly. Maybe.