Kermit the Frog said it right, "Its not easy being green" … but it sure is healthy. Nutritionists recommend that you increase your intake of dark green vegetables because the deeper the green, the more nutritious it is. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium) and vitamins (such as vitamins K, C, E and the B vitamins) as well as many other nutrients.
Now back to the "Its not easy" part. Its not easy being green (or being a vegetable, for that matter) especially around kids. Many kids do not like vegetables and some may even refuse to eat what is on their plate. According to Canada's Food Guide, kids between the ages of 4-8 should be getting at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. So how do you get kids to eat more vegetables, especially when they would rather have pizza and you are not supposed to force kids to 'clean their plate'? Here are some ideas you can use:
Make it fun. Serve kids a rainbow of colors every day. Try a salad face with a lettuce leaf head, two cherry tomatoes for eyes, a carrot stick for the nose, and green pepper strip for the mouth. Or, serve bright green broccoli 'trees' dipped in cheese sauce.
Trick them into eating vegetables. Place the vegetables into a food processor and use the metal blades to mince them finely. Add these minced vegetables to soups, mashed potatoes, pasta sauces - almost anything. They will hardly know the difference.
Dip them. Kids love to dip and eat. Serve carrot sticks, celery sticks and sliced green and red pepper with ranch dressing and watch them disappear before your eyes.
Top them. Cheese makes everything better. Sprinkle grated cheese over steamed broccoli and don't be surprised if your little ones show a new found appreciation for the green vegetable.
I hope some of these ideas help! Its important that you teach kids the importance of eating well so they can stay healthy throughout life.
Post by: Sonia Ali
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