10 Ways to Make Veggies more Appealing to Kids

Continuing our quest to add more vegetables to kids diet, we put together a few tips to make veggies more appealing to little ones (and adults too!):

1. Knowledge is key: explain to kids the benefits of eating particular vegetables. Bring the explanation to their level of understanding. They are smart and will certainly remember!

2. Eat loads of veggies in front of them: parents are role models for kids. Don't think they will eat vegetables if you only eat carbs and fast food.

3. Sneak veggies in: soups, salads, risottos, meat loaf, meat balls, pasta, pizza, quesadilla (check out our recipes). Grated carrots, sweet potato and zucchini go great in muffins and bread.

4. Shop at farmers' markets: vegetables flavor intensifies the longer they're on the shelf, particularly if they're wrapped. Fresh vegetables taste a lot better. Try it!

5. Store produce away from fruits: some vegetables can become bitter when stored near apples and other fruits, which produce ethylene gas.

6. Start blanching: steam vegetables for 30 to 60 seconds, then remove them from the heat and drop them in cold water. That stops the strong flavors from developing.

7. Cheese it up: moderate amounts of cheese sauce can make broccoli or cauliflower tastier.

8. Use dip: low fat dips such as humus make a great combination with veggies.

9. Olive oil, salt and black pepper: roast vegetables in the oven with olive oil, salt and black pepper. Asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots work great!

10. Let kids participate: we can't stress this one enough. Allow kids to choose their veggies, and participate in the food preparation.

Source: various, including msnbc.com and prevention.com