5 EASY ways to get your little one to eat veggies!
Are you struggling to get your little one to eat their veggies? Do they balk at the very suggestion of broccoli? According to Australian Dietary Guidelines, we need to be feeding our children at least five servings of veggies a day, yet some of us struggle to get our kids to even eat one.
We speak to health and wellness coach and author of The Long Life Plan, Faye James for her top five fail safe tips to get your kids eating veggies once and for all.
1
Sneak them in brownies
“Kids love brownies. My kids absolutely adore mine where I sneak in either sweet potato, avocado or beetroot. Although avocado is technically a fruit, it’s packed full of nutrients and adds that touch of fudginess kids love,” says Faye.
“Sweet potato adds a delicate sweetness and creamy texture while my red velvet brownies are extremely moist and kids never guess they are packed full of beetroot.”
2
Blitz them into smoothies
Are you trying to get your kids to enjoy their greens but struggling no end? “Blitz celery and spinach with green apple and banana with yoghurt and honey and serve up as a fruit smoothie. Your kids won’t know the difference, but will feel great afterwards!” advises Faye.
3
Have fun with the lunchbox
Kids love finger food especially with dips in their lunchbox. “Make up some homemade hummus and add carrot or beetroot served with some nicely chopped celery and cucumber sticks and pop in their lunchbox. They’ll love this nutrient-packed snack,” says Faye.
4
Serve veggies first
Before dinner time when your kids are starving hungry, just before you serve up the carbs and protein, Faye advises to give them a serving of veggies first. “Even if they push back just insist they eat them before they get the rest of their dinner. Kids eat anything when they’re hungry!”
5
Bring them out at breakfast
Faye often serves her children eggs or muffins packed full of zucchini or carrot for brekkie. “That or I make them up my homemade gluten-free breakfast bread which has two servings of veggies.” If you start them off with a veggie-packed breakfast, they’re likely to make wise choices throughout the day,” Faye says.
For more information on Faye’s recipes, pick up a copy of The Long Life Plan, $35, New Holland.
Nicola Conville has worked as a journalist and editor for more than 20 years across a wide range of print and online publications. Her areas of expertise are parenting, health and travel. She has two children; Lucy, age eight, and Nathan, age five.
