Saturday, November 1, 2008

My Veggie Technique


Yeah! Ava and Annalise now love another veggie - bell peppers of all colors! Bell Pep's are one of my favorite veggie b/c they are packed w/vitamins, so I'm so glad my kids like them now too.

Here's my technique for getting kids to eat their veggies. It's worked with both my kids and they now eat (with no complaints): sweet potatoes, broccoli, salad, carrots, asparagus (I can never roast enough), zucchini, eggplant, celery, beets (only Ava), green beans, peas, and as of tonight bell peppers.

1. When they are infants I only offer veggie baby food - no fruit until they like all the veggie tastes - then I'll incorporate the fruit.

(When they can start eating solid food)
2. I don't give them any veggies on their plates (they still will eat baby food veggies at this point) when they are toddlers until they ASK for some off mine. THAT is the trick! Especially with salad. Ava's been loving salad since she was about 1 1/2 years old. Not bad for a little kid! I'm telling you, making them ask for something that you present as too good to share, will get them to like the veggies.

3. We all go through spurts of liking and not liking certain foods. So, if they start acting bored of a certain veggie, I delete it from the menu for a week or two. And soon enough, they'll start enjoying it again on their own.
Okay, that's it. I just had to share how happy I am that my girls are now begging for raw bell peppers!
******Update on little niece Bree: She started Chemo yesterday and so far so good. She's a real trooper and gave me several smiles the other day. It felt like such a privilege to hold this little girl. I really love her like one of my own children. And I love her momma like my own sister. We love you Justin and Kari! Keep being strong for your darling princess! You can read more of her story if you like on 'Justin and Kari' on my sidebar.

9 comments:

foreveryoung said...

Thanks for the tips, I'll definately have to try it with Maddox. I think I failed miserably in this department with my first 2, so maybe this time around I can get it right! Thanks for the Bree update, I've been thinking about her. It's just crazy how healthy and happy she is in that picture, you would never guess...we'll keep sending prayers their way!

Nichols Family said...

I wish I would've tried this when my boys were younger. They'll eat only carrots and green veggies. Never will they eat a bell pepper of any color. Darn. Thanks for the tips though for future ref. Thanks for the update on Bree.

Unknown said...

So sad to hear that Bree and her family are having to go through this trial. We will definately keep her in our prayers (easy to remember with my own Breea)

Chelsea said...

such a good idea! I've done it all wrong.

camille kempton said...

Great ideas. Where were you when I started having kids?!

Jodi Perez said...

Alisa its so fun to find you on here. You look so good and your kids are adorable.

Shauna said...

I ♥ your blog! Thanks for sharing :)

Scott+Tiffany said...

That is such a great idea! You'll have to remind me that in the distant future when I have a child

Tim and Shay said...

Alisa! I just saw your comment on Justin's blog. A friend just forwarded me their blog telling me about their baby, Bree. My heart breaks. But, They are so strong! Your parents look like I remember them! (I saw them in the picture with Bree at the hospital). I just wanted to say HI! I used to be in your ward in Lehi 1st ward. Shayleen (Jones) Palmer