As your children are still young, it's a great time to start introducing them to colorful and delicious food, that also have great nutritional value. For instance, many people serve canned carrots as a side. They are bland, and over salted. I can eat them, but don't really like them. My sisters wouldn't touch them as children, and won't eat them now. Instead, it's a simple task to peel and slice a couple of carrots, and steam them until they are crispy-tender. It only takes about ten minutes of time. When serving them, dress them with a touch of honey, and butter. That bland, canned veggie has just been transformed into gourmet fare that tastes wonderful to kids and adults alike.
Acorn squash can be cut in half and seeded, then rubbed on the inside with butter, brown sugar, and a bit of cinnamon and ginger. Foil wrap and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and scoop out the flesh. You will be surprised how great the squash tastes.
Most veggies are tastier when steamed, or baked. you want to leave some of that crispness in the veggies so that they aren't wilted and washed out. Wilted veggies are mushy veggies. When cooked correctly, they are brightly colored, and have great, natural flavor. A little seasoning can turn veggies into a real treat.
Steamed green beans, or spinach taste wonderful. Beets are sweet, and high in so many great nutrients. Put some peanut butter on celery slices and watch you kids gobble them right up.
Whole grain breads, served with a bit of good jam is always a welcome treat at the dinner table as well. Or serve whole grain dinner rolls, with gravy or sauce.
Another great way to get your children interested in eating healthy foods is to include your children in the food preparation.
Though mashed potatoes, or cheese macaroni are often the types of foods we grew up with as side dishes, they are foods that should be used sparingly. Yes, I'll admit it. I enjoy the flavor of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. But I rarely serve it as it is very high in starches (carbohydrates with very little food value), fat (from the milk and cheese), and salt. None of those ingredients are healthy for the body. Instead, serve up things like sweet potatoes, colorful veggies, including sweet and hot peppers (my eldest child has loved hot peppers since before she could walk, and she was an early walker/talker), wholesome grains, and milk or water. Fruit juices, though they contain some vitamins and minerals, have been stripped of most of their nutrients by removing the good parts, leaving only the juice. They are as high in sugars as soda-pop. They taste great, but aren't such a great choice as they contribute to obesity, tooth decay, and in adult stage diabetes.
You aren't doing your children any favors by giving them junk food, or comfort food. A great piece of pie is a little bit of heaven. But it can't be something eaten every day. the same true of ice cream, or doughnuts, or sweet rolls, or cake, or, or, or...
Serve fresh fruit for desert instead, maybe with a small slice of a great cheese. if you give your kids the chance to try a wide variety of food while they are young, you will be contributing to their good health, now, and in the future.
Seeeeya; Chief Longwind of the North
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