Kids are so weird. An actual study (described in Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink) showed that kids who wouldn't touch a plate of green peas happily dived in when they were presented as "Power Peas".
ha. I love that. Maybe I just like alliteration a little too much or maybe it was my bobbly-headed teacher saying "Power Peas", but I got pretty severe giggles that class... anyway - that's not the point...
Sometimes kids (and adults for that matter) just need a little push to help them love their veggies.
I remember going on a broccoli strike as a child. I had always loved those little spongy topped trees- perfect for mopping up puddles of melted butter or cheese sauce - until I saw a cartoon character dis them on a TV show.
My mother was exasperated. I was motivated to find new ways to get it off my plate - like sneaking chewed up mouthfuls it into my napkin. (I got busted of course).
Parents are up against some challenges for sure . One of the best ways to convert the anti-vegetable is to get your kids involved in growing some. Before my brief stand off with broccoli I had no issue with vegetables (except raw tomatoes, which challenge my taste buds to this day). I can confidently say it was growing up with a backyard veggie patch that did it for me and my brother.
There is just some magical connection that makes kids and adults alike excited about eating something they sprouted themselves from a tiny seed.
Funny too how different kid's tastes are. My friend Jannae told me her favourite dish growing up was mac and cheese with broccoli and tofu. (My response -- You ate tofu as a CHILD?!). My favourite foods were vegetable tempura and seafood crepes (hm ok maybe we're a bit strange).
But it's most often how we present food that determines if kids will eat it. My god son Davis for example... His parents offered him everything they ate (age appropriately of course) with no pressure and no reaction to whether he ate it or not. He was scarfing down sushi and spicy Thai dishes by the age of 3. He would stick out his tongue and pant - Hot, Hot - then quickly smile and say - More!
Of course he has gone through many challenging spells of hating this and loving that. Recently asparagus has returned to favour after about 2 years of being blacklisted. So who knows.
The key is not to freak out.
There is excellent information available on raising veggie lovers. My favourite resource is Ellyn Satter - a dietitian who has spent most of her 40 plus year career figuring out how to convert picky eaters and get kids to eat their veggies. Best of all her approach is about not worrying so much! For tips on creating "eating competent" kids - visit her website.
Another great resource is Feeding the Whole Family from my teacher at Bastyr - Cynthia Lair. It is full of tips and really wonderful recipes. I use it all the time.
and finally one of my own recipes that might be tempting to the little ones too...
Green Omelet with Power Peas!
eggs (preferably free range with access to real grass so they can eat bugs and be full of omega 3s)
2 tsp milk or water per egg
chopped fresh herbs - (Basil is my favourite. Tarragon is also good).
cooked spinach
extra virgin olive oil
chopped onion
frozen peas
sea salt and pepper to taste
Put the eggs and milk with the herbs and cooked spinach in the blender and puree until smooth. It will make a nice green, frothy batter. Blending also incorporates air which makes the eggs cook up fluffier.
Saute the onions in the oil until translucent. Add enough peas to loosely cover the bottom of the pan, cook until they are thawed. Pour the green egg batter over top.
Reduce the heat and cook on med-low until set in the middle. I usually either cover it with a lid part way through or pop it under the broiler so it sets in the middle. Technically this is a frittata (filling IN the egg and cooked slowly, finished in the oven) vs. an omelet (folded over filling).
Whatever you call it - it's easy, tasty and looks amazing with ketchup!
