Get Those Veggies In
by Hannah Keeley
Dear Hannah,
“I cannot make my children eat the fresh food we prepare. They do not like to eat vegetables and they are always “afraid” of trying new things. We have a 6-year-old, a 3-year-old, and a 4-month-old. How do I handle the big ones at mealtimes and how do I prepare the baby to start liking vegetables? Hannah, help me!”
Sara
Dear Sara…
Welcome to every mom’s battle ~ mealtime! For some reason, all of us have a kid or two that dig in their heels and get obstinate about broadening their taste horizons. I’m not sure if there is anything more frustrating. If it helps any, I despised broccoli when I was a kid and would even risk a spanking over eating the stuff. Now? I love it! Rest assured. They will not always be this picky. It’s a stage that kids go through and they will emerge sooner or later. In the meantime, here are some tips to encourage your kids to eat fresh, wholesome foods…
First, limit the choices in your pantry. If you are stocked up on cupcakes and chips, then forget about getting your kids excited over healthy food (and quite frankly yourself!). Fill your pantry with smart choices like fresh fruit, snackable veggies, and whole grains. That way, when a snack attack happens, they won’t fill up on junk.
Second, get them involved with the meal planning. When you plan out your monthly menu, get their input on some of their favorite meals and you can figure out ways to make them healthier. Do they like hamburgers? Try making black bean burgers. Do they like pizza? Why not make a whole-grain crust and top it with spinach?
Third, get those kids in the kitchen. When kids are helping out in the kitchen they will be much more likely to actually eat the food. Let them put together a salad or knead some dough. There are a lot of ways to get them involved.
Also, nutrition starts early so you can get your baby involved by introducing healthy food when the time is right. You can even pick up a small food processor or baby food grinder and process the fresh food you have made for the youngest of diners. Don’t get discouraged, mama. Good nutrition is vitally important for growing bodies and growing minds and you’re doing the right thing by taking action now.
~ Hannah
Hannah Keeley was once in overwhelmed mom living in a cluttered house, deep in debt, out of shape, and barely hanging on. But one day, after finding herself sobbing uncontrollably into a pile of clean laundry, she realized God has bigger and better plans for her (just like He does for each one of His children). Beginning that day, she began making changes in her life that took her from overwhelmed to overjoyed. Today, she’s helping moms do the same. Hannah, her husband, Blair, and their seven children live in Richmond, Virginia, and are having the time of their lives!
Check out Hannah’s Website Here!
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