Adventures in Food
5 Ways to get your kids to go green
My tween went on a hunt today to find something green to wear tomorrow so that she won’t get pinched on St. Patrick’s Day. Her quest got me thinking that this holiday might just be the perfect excuse inspiration to encourage kids not just to wear green, but to eat more green.
Here are a few ideas that seem to be working around my house:
Keep it smooth
My teen and youngest are now hooked on my magic smoothies, which include spinach and go from green to red once you add in berries.
Add it in!
Whenever I make pasta I try to throw in some spinach or other greens too. I figure the more my kids see it on their plate, the more likely they are to eat it.
Make it easy
I make little baggies of cut up veggies and put them in the fridge so my kids can grab them as a quick snack.
Use the power of TV
While there are plenty of TV shows and ads that might have your child reaching for junk food–there might just be a few that could encourage them eat their veggies. For example, my youngest is a huge fan of the BBC Merlin series. She’s entranced with all things English. So when I mentioned that there were “English” cucumbers she decided they’re now her favorite.
Be an example
If you like greens, chances are your kids will too.
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about 5 years ago
I have a friend who is eating 9 cups of veggies a day! At least 3 of greens. It inspired me to try to eat more myself, which in turn inspires my kids. Greens are good. I like them. But I usually don’t think of them as a default food. Y’know? Happy St P’s Day!
about 5 years ago
I read your blog for inspiration to pass on to my son and his wife for their kids. I love the idea of smoothies that change color.
about 5 years ago
I wrote a story once on how to get children to eat their greens and all of the nutritionists agreed that the best method is to lead by example. Starting when they’re babies, to never scrunch up your nose at food and your kids typically will not either. Thanks for this post!
about 5 years ago
creative use of the Patrick’s day connection, MKES. when we make colcannon, an Irish dish which features cabbage, onions, and potatoes, we sometimes add in other greens — broccoli and peas and favorites, especially during Patrick season.
about 5 years ago
I find that as my kids got older, they added more vegetables to their diets, where they were more hesitant when they were younger. I’d like to think it was because they saw me eating an array of veggies. I”m still trying to get my younger one to like spinach, though!
about 5 years ago
I’m such a putz I didn’t even think to wear green today. But I made up for it by eating green veggies. Ok, I’m off to check out your magic smoothies.
about 5 years ago
That’s great! I’m trying to use more greens as the main part of my meal, not just a side
about 5 years ago
We make these all the time (I even have them when the kids aren’t around). It’s a great way to drink your spinach
about 5 years ago
Very, very true. Your kids pick up on whether you do or don’t like something, whether you say it or not.
about 5 years ago
Sounds very good. I must admit, I’m still learning to like cabbage. I like it shredded in Asian dishes and as a fresh coleslaw, but I need to try it in more dishes.
about 5 years ago
You might be on to something here. As my kids are getting older they’re beginning to eat more veggies. I’m trying hard to raise veggie eaters.
about 5 years ago
My tween gave me a “security” bracelet made out of green duct tape so that I would be safe.