As I sit here eating a Monster Cookie (an over sized cookie from the grocery store, made with the mini baking M&M's), I'm thinking the hardest part for us all (the change in diet), is the best place to start. Especially since it is the foundation to our day.
I openly admit that we are indeed 'garbage eaters'. Not everything, but most things we eat come from a box, is processed, full of sugar, or a quick 'throw it in the microwave and it's done" type thing. I do know a lot of that comes from me, I'll admit I can be lazy in the kitchen, especially during the winter when it's far too cold to be out from under a blanket for too long. This is NOT what I want for my kids, but it has become a habit out of convenience none the less.
I don't want to sit here and keep making excuses but I also have a group of VERY picky eaters here (including myself). I hate Vegetables! There I said it, it's out there. I will eat potatos and corn, but I know those aren't the best ones to be filling up on all of the time, but at least it's something. A lot of people have asked me, "Well you must starve, what can you possible eat?" I don't know how they can look at me and tell me I "must be starving" but they do. LOL In response to that question there's lots of things! a lot of meat and potato meals, a lot of pasta, a lot of BBQ, Rice, french fries, hot dogs, basically what I said before..... Garbage Food! I'm sure maybe they are thinking 'nothing at all' to do with veggies, but I will do things like spaghetti sauce.... I'm just not a fan of how veggies taste. Raw disgusts me.... Cooked can be just as gross, they get all slimy, and chewy, they usually smell bad... YUCK! If you can figure out a way to mask it, or mix it in to something and not know it's there I'm good with that. One time a friend had sent me Jessica Sienfeld's cookbook on how she hides vegetables in her children's food, good book.... I have yet to try anything from it and that was years ago!! (I'll keep that in mind when I go to write my personal goals and be sure to add "try a veggie hiding recipe once in a while" to the list).
This hatred I have for vegetables has been passed on to my children and that I do not like and is my reason to try and change. I have never 'forced' my kids to eat their veggies, I mean how can I really? If I'm not eating them why should they?? As long as they are eating potatos I am good with that. That's not to say they are ALL like that. My oldest son is exactly like me when it comes to veggies, my middle son used to eat lots of different ones, but has reverted back to just potatos and corn. A lot of his reasoning I believe is "if Zay doesn't have to eat them, than neither do I"..... this does sadden me. My youngest son loves veggies!!!! Even if they are raw! I buy carrot sticks and broccoli often for our Guinea Pigs and Rabbits, and he likes to feed them.... great! He also likes to ask if he can have some too with a little dressing to dip in.... excellent! He also likes cucumbers in a little vinegar. No work to be done with that kid, just encouragement to keep up the good snacking habits! *note to self, maybe get some celery some time and see if he'll eat a stick, or a stick with a lil peanut butter*
Lately, when I make my spaghetti sauce I have been making an effort to add Onion to it, I grate it really fine so it just melts away in the sauce so the boys and I don't worry about it when eating. A very TINY step in the right direction, but at least it's a starting point. The past 2 years I have been adding a little bit of spinach to things that I eat. It all started when I was staying with my best friend while she was pregnant and she used to make scrambled eggs with spinach and a lil cheese. I tried it and couldn't taste the spinach so I thought to myself "here is a good place to start!" Now not only do I add spinach to my scrambled eggs, but I add it to my grilled cheese sandwiches, my pizza, risotto, and have been experimenting with some green smoothie recipes also. It's not like I'm eating it by the bowls full or anything but again it's a small step in the right direction.
Fruit, the equal to veggies on the Food Pyramid..... that is another story, and I think we'll save that one for tomorrow. :)
Do you have any tips or tricks on how to get kids to eat (or at least be open to try) vegetables or any recipes on how to hide them in your every day foods??? If so, share with us in the comments below.
~Jenn
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