Raising Veggie Munchin' Kids
by Amy Hunt

Go on, give it a try! Here are some tips for getting your kids to eat at least 2-3 servings of vegetables every day:

• Children tend to like crunch vegetables rather than soft cooked vegetables, so try steaming vegetables or serving them raw (if your child is over age three).

• Try serving the vegetable at the beginning of the meal, when children are the hungriest and are more likely to eat them.

• Let your child pick out a new vegetable to try each time you go to the grocery store.

• Help your children make a salad. Let them pick out the vegetables, wash them and toss them with their favorite low-fat salad dressing (kids are more likely to eat what they prepare themselves).

• Add vegetables to kid favorites like pizza, tacos, macaroni and cheese, and soup.

• Try stir-frying vegetables or adding low-fat cheese to them.

• Grow a vegetable garden with your child.

• Fill celery sticks with cream cheese or peanut butter, and add raisins for a fun snack.

• Serve raw vegetables with your child's favorite low-fat dip for dunking (for children over age three).

• Set a good example for your child and be sure to eat your vegetables!

* DVO welcomes your kitchen hints and cooking or nutrition questions! Email us and we'll post your hints and Q/A's in upcoming newsletters! *