Sometimes, like it or not, we have to resort to subterfuge to get children to eat vegetables. As I often tell parents, "Kids don't know what's good for them - they only know what they like." If you are concerned that your child, whether they are 6 or 16, is not getting enough vegetables here are some ways to "trick" them into eating more.

1. Kids often prefer crunchy raw vegetables over cooked. For between meal snacks put out a tray of different vegetables like broccoli, mini carrots, celery, mushrooms, cucumbers and raw peppers with a low fat dip like Just 2 Good Ranch dressing and watch the vegetables disappear. You can also make your own dip with Daisy Brand Sour Cream.
2. When making a meatloaf or meatballs put your food processor to work on vegetables like carrots and spinach which you can add in with the raw meat.
3. Use your food processor to add extra vegetables like zucchini, squash and carrots to spaghetti sauce.
4. Introduce new and different vegetables to the whole family as an adventure! - Jicama - this is a root vegetable that looks like a turnip but can be peeled and eaten raw and has a slightly sweet and nutty taste - like a water chestnut. Remove the skin and dip it. - Bok Choy - a member of the cabbage family it has a light flavor and can be lightly sautéed with oil and garlic or used raw in salad. - Fennel - this is actually an herb and when cooked has a slightly licorice flavor like anise.

Next week: Getting kids to eat more Fruit

This is general information only and should not replace advice or instructions given to you by your physician.

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