Unvlmom's Top 10 Ways to get the kids to eat those Veggies

I'm blessed in that my boys love their veggies most of the time. Although, my youngest will sometimes fight with me to take that first bite. 
If your kids fight with you to eat their veggies here are some things that have worked for me;


1: ranch dip or similar (even low fat yogurt with ranch dressing mix will work if you are concerned about fat and calories.)
2: Steam the veggies just long enough to warm them , leaving them slightly crunchy.
3: Chef Salad bar for dinner. Have the kids help you assemble chef salads for dinner. Include a variety of colors in the veggies and toppings.
4: Visit the farmer's market. There is something about going to the farmer's market that inspires everyone. A lot of the stands have samples to try. 
5: Try some new exotic veggie. When you are shopping ask the kids to pick out the weirdest looking  veggie, but they have to promise to at least try it.
6: BBQ. summer and fall is an awesome time to grill veggies.
7: Mix shredded veggies into spaghetti sauce. This works awesome with squash.




8: Gardens, plant your own garden and have the kids help harvest. My boys love going out and finding their dinner.. Also works great for snacks during the summer months, they can go pick their snack right off the plant.
9: Veggie fries. Bake your carrots or sweet potatoes like french fries. I don't use oil. I put the veggies cut into french fries on a piece of parchment and bake at 375' for about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt and serves with ketchup or ranch dip.
10: Experiment with veggie sandwiches.. If Subway and Quiznos can do it why can't mom?


Here are a couple recipes I like to use with veggies:


Yogurt Ranch Dip
2 cups low fat plain yogurt
1 Tbsp dry chopped onions
1 tsp oregano (fresh if you have it use about 2 tsps)
1 tsp parsley chopped (fresh if you have it use about 2 tsps)
a pinch of sea salt (I really prefer sea salt for the brighter flavor)
fresh thyme, cilantro, basil, or chives (about 1 - 2 tsps )
1 tsp lemon juice
pepper to taste.


Mix all ingredients and chill for about an hour.




Olive Oil dipping sauce
This is really for the adults


2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1 tsp fresh chopped basil
1 tsp fresh chopped garlic (usually 1 clove works)
pinch of sea salt 


mix in a shallow bowl and serve for dipping BBQ veggies.




BBQ veggies


Thick slice you veggies (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick seems to work best)
drizzle with olive oil
sprinkle with sea salt 


grill on medium heat flipping once. serve with either of the above sauces.






“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Peas and Thank You blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.