Author: Paula D.

 

 

Feeding a family can be difficult, and it really doesn’t have a thing to do with being able to afford it. The fact is that children, as well as some adults, can be extremely picky. Just the mention of vegetables can send them into hiding, and many kids are happy to go without supper if it means they don’t have to eat them. If you are concerned about your family’s diet, the following are 4 ideas for switching up your family’s meals, so that you can keep them healthy:

 

 

 

1. Pass on the Canned and Boxed Foods

While canned and boxed foods are certainly easy and can help you to get your family fed quickly, they are filled with nothing but chemicals and artificial ingredients. If you look on a box, you will see the expiration day is, in many cases, is usually a year or two from the time you purchase it. Food is not meant to be stored this long and the only way it lasts is by using chemicals to extend its life. Choosing meats, eggs, fresh vegetables, and whole grains is how you will keep your family healthy. By passing up on the canned and boxed foods, you can also eliminate a lot of unnecessary calories from your family’s diet.

2. Hide the Vegetables

A lot of children and teens will not eat their vegetables, no matter how you prepare them. If eating vegetables is a constant battle in your family, learn how to hide the vegetables in the other foods you prepare. A good example of this is when you make your family burgers for dinner. Instead of slapping together a hamburger patty, mix it up and add some veggies into the mix. Shredded carrots are a good place to start and you can almost be guaranteed that they will not even notice them in it.

3. Let Your Children Become Your Assistants

Put a plate full of raw veggies on a platter and there is a great chance your younger children won’t touch it. By letting your children into the kitchen and helping to prepare the food, you can improve the chances that they will eat it. Children loved to get involved in the preparation of dinner. Give them a peeler to peel carrots or let them break up a head of broccoli to serve. Knowing that they were the ones to prepare it may give them the incentive to try it themselves.

4. When They Won’t Eat, Let Them Drink

Everyone likes a good smoothie and children, regardless of their age, are no exception. When you worry that they are not getting enough fruits or vegetables in their diet, put together a bunch of them in the blender and you will be surprised by how quickly they drink it up. The key to a good smoothie is to make sure you create enough balance of acidity and sweetness. A good example of this is the banana smoothie. Instead of giving them a banana smoothie, mix in a little apple, orange, and carrot to make things interesting. You will get a well-balanced drink that will meet with their approval. The following is a list of other fruits and vegetables that will go well in a smoothie:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Melons
• Peaches
• Pears
• Grapes
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Kale
• Cabbage
• Peas
• Squash

The more variations you try, the better you will get at making smoothies for your family. No matter what size family you have, cooking for them can be a nightmare when you have picky eaters. When you are concerned for their health and their diet, take matters into your own hands and use the above ideas to switch things up. However, if this is your plan, keep it a secret. By telling them that you want them to eat healthier, you are just calling attention to the fact that you want them to do something. Not telling them is the best way to go. Most likely, they will not even notice the changes you are making.  

 

About the Author: Paula D. is a freelance author who covers everything from state car insurance to weight loss tips. She loves blogging in her free time, and when not online, she can be found helping at her local Salvation Army.