I can remember sitting at the dinner table for hours looking
at the vegetables left on my plate. Thirty years later with two kids of my own,
I find myself in the same constant battle with them over eating their vegetables.
Especially the green veggies such as green beans, cabbage, broccoli,
asparagus and even lettuce which has no taste.
I have become a broken record that even I am tired of hearing “Kids eat your vegetables, please and thank you”. Unfortunately, at the end of the night their veggies are still on the plate. After years of frustration, sneaking and even bribery I found the perfect solution to our little vegetable problem, JUICING!! Blending fresh fruits and vegetables are the perfect way to get the kids to eat (drink) their vegetables .For the past several years I have allowed the kids to make their own creation of what we call “awesome juice”. It consists of fresh fruits, vegetables or a blend of both to a smooth, healthy, energy-rich drink. After three single serve blenders the kids have perfected their concoction and are excited to prepare and drink their creation. Their favorite is what is known as the Orange jubilee juice which is oranges, carrots and apples. Another top-pick in our home is the Shrek juice which consists of celery, kale and apples. Allowing the children to shop for, clean and even process and prepare their own vegetable and fruit drinks is the best thing I have ever done!!! As the kids have grown older I continue to stress the importance of a balanced diet which should incorporate all main food groups including vegetables. Vegetables provide many nutrients that are vital to their growth and development while at the same time help to reduce the risk of diseases and even cancer. Plus, the various vitamins such as A and C help to promote healthy eyes, skin and teeth.
I have become a broken record that even I am tired of hearing “Kids eat your vegetables, please and thank you”. Unfortunately, at the end of the night their veggies are still on the plate. After years of frustration, sneaking and even bribery I found the perfect solution to our little vegetable problem, JUICING!! Blending fresh fruits and vegetables are the perfect way to get the kids to eat (drink) their vegetables .For the past several years I have allowed the kids to make their own creation of what we call “awesome juice”. It consists of fresh fruits, vegetables or a blend of both to a smooth, healthy, energy-rich drink. After three single serve blenders the kids have perfected their concoction and are excited to prepare and drink their creation. Their favorite is what is known as the Orange jubilee juice which is oranges, carrots and apples. Another top-pick in our home is the Shrek juice which consists of celery, kale and apples. Allowing the children to shop for, clean and even process and prepare their own vegetable and fruit drinks is the best thing I have ever done!!! As the kids have grown older I continue to stress the importance of a balanced diet which should incorporate all main food groups including vegetables. Vegetables provide many nutrients that are vital to their growth and development while at the same time help to reduce the risk of diseases and even cancer. Plus, the various vitamins such as A and C help to promote healthy eyes, skin and teeth.
That's an excellent solution! I'm glad you posted this, I'll have to keep this in mind as my girl gets older.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative solution! That sounds like a lot of fun to experiment with!
ReplyDeleteI've made a few concoctions from recipes in various magazines in the past year and I agree with you: it's a good way to get extra servings of fruits and veggies. I'm much better about the smoothies in the spring and summer, though. In the winter, I crave warm foods and hot tea in the morning instead. My husband and I bought a food processor this fall and he's been talking about making our own baby food....we'll see how that goes!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool that you thought of Juicing to get kids to get their fruits and veggies what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone -- great idea! Nice post!
ReplyDelete