EW, GROSS!

Dinner table sentiments when the clock strikes broccoli o’clock:

“I’m not eating that!”

“I don’t like it!”

“YUCK!”
If you’re a parent reading this, you know where I’m headed. If you’re an adult who still chokes down their veggies, you’re nodding your head in agreement.

Vegetables- the ultimate meal time battle plaguing families since the beginning of time. The excuses, the tears, the sudden onset of feeling ill – just the sight of these foods continues to evoke such unique and wild reactions from the tiniest of toddlers to the most grown a$$ adults!

They’re green, they stank and they look like trees.

If you’ve had a long day with work, didn’t get much sleep or been victim of toddler tears and tantrums, dealing with the veggie drama is just the thing to strike that last nerve…until now! Today, I bring excitingly cheerful news! There is hope for getting your kids to eat their vegetables.

With infinite love, this blog is dedicated to all my veggie haters: kids, adolescents and adults alike, who refuse to eat these important foods that do super good shit for our bodies.

With empathy and understanding, this blog is also dedicated to all the parents our there fighting the good fight! The struggle was real but by the end of this blog, your kids (or significant other) will be loving on some broccoli.

HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS (and reluctant adults) TO EAT MORE VEGGIES

#1. MAKE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Kids love to feel that they are in charge of their own decisions. By giving them multiple options, they will be less hesitant.

#2. BUILD YOUR OWN MEALS

Once again, options! Try a build-your-own-meal template and provide an array of veggies to choose. Think pizzas, tacos, salads, and baked potatoes.

#3. KEEP THEM AT EYE LEVEL

Have some of their favorites (celery sticks, baby carrots, cucumber slices) prepped and ready to eat at all times and keep them at eye level in the refrigerator. Let the vegetables be the first thing they see when opening the refrigerator door. Chances are they will more than likely go for the first thing they see.

#4. DOUBLE UP

Does your child have a veggie they WILL eat? Make a double batch so on the days the veggie option is a no-go for them, they will still have a veggie ready to put on their plate.

#5. START THEM YOUNG

As soon as a child begins to self-feed, always put at least one bite of a veggie on their plate. They may not eat it but, by seeing it there all the time they will begin to associate it as just as much a part of the meal as the other elements.

#6. LEAD BY EXAMPLE

If they see you turning your nose up to veggies, they will mirror your actions. Show them you are being adventurous and trying new things. Load up on vegetables and set a good example.

#7. GET THEM INVOLVED

If you are preparing dinner or snacks, have your kids join in! The more they see veggies as part of the meal, the better.

#8. SNEAK IT IN

When all else fails, sneak it in! Spinach or cauliflower is tasteless when blended into smoothies. Try adding shredded zucchini or carrots to muffin batter. My power muffins are a perfect example!

#9 SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE

Instead of “Eat it. They are good for you” try saying phrases such as “Red foods give you a strong heart heart”, “Green foods will help you run faster” or “Purple foods will give you a strong brain”. Make it fun!

#10. GET TO DIPPIN’

Ever notice kids loooove to dip foods? Offer up some dip options to help add another layer of flavor. Kids’ palates are not as developed as adults and sometimes just need another flavor to encourage them. Try offering hummus, guacamole or salsa.

By keeping meal times less stressful, kids will have a more enjoyable time and be open to trying new foods. This makes your meals all the more pleasant without having to deal with the added stress from your cute anti veggie goers.

Happy Vegetable-Eating!