Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month: How to Sneak Fruits and Veggies into Meals

Getting kids to eat more fruits and veggies can be difficult. Most kids, however, love to be involved in the food making process, and will enjoy the food more if they play a part in creating it. Here are some cute recipes to make with your child that will encourage them to eat their fruits and veggies:

• A yummy smoothie. Blend yogurt or milk with fruits and crushed ice.
• Dipping sauce. For veggies use yogurt and seasonings such as herbs or garlic. For fruits use yogurt and cinnamon or vanilla dip.
• Caterpillar kabobs. You can use veggies such as broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, sweet peppers, or cucumbers.
• Personal pizza. You can use a whole-wheat English muffin as the crust. Have tomato sauce, cheese, and give them a choice of assorted vegetable for them to choose for toppings. Pop in the oven to warm up.
• Peanut butterfly. Use a celery stick as the body. The wings can be thinly sliced apples and stuck on with peanut butter and decorate it with grape halves or dried fruit.
• Fruit popsicles. Buy fresh fruits and puree them. Then, place the puree in an ice cube tray and place sticks in each cube—place this tray in the freezer and wait for them to be fully frozen.
• Classic ants on a log. Use a celery stick, add peanut butter and put dried fruit such as raisins. Yummy!
• Homemade trail mix. Add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and whole-grain cereals to the mix.
• Baked Potato person. Using a half baked potato, add sliced cherry tomatoes, peas, and low-fat cheese to make into a funny face.

Enjoy!

If you have any questions about other healthy ways to get your kid to love their fruits and veggies, be sure to call the Help Me Grow 2-1-1 line, send Help Me Grow a text at: 302-231-1464 or click here for more information. Help Me Grow 2-1-1 will set you up with a specialist to help answer any questions or address any concerns.