Need Ideas / Won't Eat Veggies

What I used to do for my grandkids was to freeze some of the veggies and put them in little baggies. They loved how crunchie they were peas were the winner, hope it helps

I read an article once about a personal trainer who would make his kids milkshakes and add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broccoli in them. Then he would try every few weeks ot so to get his kids to eat the broccoli itself. Then, once they ate the broccoli he continued to make milkshakes without it and slowly phased them out. My kids all love broccoli and other veggies, there are a few that a couple of them don't like, but we have been very lucky as far as that goes.

I have to say I am not a big veggie eater either so once the boys were off baby food I didn't know what I was going to do. I didn't like them so I didn't buy them or cook them. I tried, but when they didn't want to eat them it was hard for me to push the issue. I talked to my pediatrician and she said as long as they eat fruit they are fine. She said they are getting the same nutrients they need from fruit. I also give them a multi vit. We also drink Carnation Instant Breakfast in the morning in the milk for more nutrients. Sorry I can't help with any tips on getting them to eat more, but I wanted you to know its OK if they don't eat them.

There are lots of veggies out there. I am very lucky in that my first three are all good veggie eaters--my last has been my challenge. Dipping is one of the best ways to get them to eat--our favorite is hummus with carrots and red bell peppers.
Asparagus wrapped up in proscioutio is well received too!
Continue to present different veggies to her, have a salad with meals (mix the salad with her favorite fruits to make it even more received).
You may also want to grow veggies with her or let her 'help' with meal prep. Kids always like to eat what they make.
And be very sure you are eating your veggies--she's watching you!
Also here's a list of some favorite veggies/combos in our house:
-kale (sauteed with garlic)
-escarole (also sauteed with garlic)
-butternut squash (roasted with thyme)
-asparagus, cherry tomotoes (roasted with rosemary)
-raw red bell peppers with hummus
-celery with peanut butter and dried cranberries
-asparagus with proscioutio (broiled)
-cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese
-salad with apple slices, dried cranberries and walnuts
-pesto with spinach base
- butternut squash ravioli with sage brown butter
-eggplant and olive tapenade (I buy this already made!)

Finally, don't stress and don't make a big deal out of it. I don't (at least in front of them)--this is just how we eat, period. I do insist they try everything on the plate but that is because I have put the effort in making it and it is a sign of disrespect not to (she's too young for that reasoning but she should try everything).
(I have mentioned this in other posts--I have a blog about recipes with veggies that kids like. Let me know if you are interested.)
Hope this helps!

I have a 2 year old son who generally rejects all veggies too. I know it's mostly a stage and it's not really worth worrying about too much but I can't help it either.
How about a "veggie" quesedilla? I know avocado is technically a fruit too but...
1 can black beans drained, 1/3 cup mild salsa, 1 small avocado chopped, shredded Monterey jack, or if she'll eat it crumbled feta cheese. Mash black beans and salsa with a potato masher to combine spread on a tortilla sprinkle with avocado and cheese add the second tortilla. You can either bake these on a sprayed cookie sheet at 400 for 8 minutes or until melted or toss them in a fry pan. Serve with additional salsa. My son loves these as long as I mash the beans really well so he doesn't pick them out. He also loves guacamole (I can't explain it since he generally doesn't like green things), I make a simple one with tomatoes, avocado, a small amount of onion, like a teaspoon per avocado, a pinch or two of garlic salt and a squirt of lime juice.

Here's what I did to get my little guys to eat their veggies...I disguised it! My first born loved cottage cheese, so I zapped the veggies in the mini food processor and put it in his cottage cheese, mashed potatoes or whatever I could think of that he likes and I could slip them into. Chopping up the food has helped out a lot and then adding some flavor that you know they like such as the sauces. Hoping for the best for you and your little girl :)

At 30 I still don't like veggies, but... You can almost always find one veggie that each picky eater will eat! Just keep trying. Get creative. Try Snow Peas cold with Ranch Dressing. Most kids LOVE those.

Also, give them plenty of dipping sauces. Things we as adults would NEVER eat kids love. My son will only eat green beans with ketchup but he'll eat almost a whole can.

I have started supplementing mine and my son's veggie intake with the newest V8 that has 1 serving of fruit and 1 serving of veggies in every serving. It's a little strong, but you might could dilute it with water, but it basically tastes like grape juice (or the Blueberry one does).

And, if it makes you feel any better -- I NEVER at veggies and I'm a very healthy 30 year old. I did finally start eating healthier after my son was born (4 years ago) but before that nothing green ever touched my mouth! lol

Good Luck!

I am SAHM w/ a 3 yr old son that I used to brag about how he always ate anything that I gave him - well, that's one of those "counting your chickens before they hatch" things! Long story short - I feel like that as long as he's taking his multi-vitamins (which he does willingly - thankfully)that'll he'll be fine. His pediatrician also agrees. But, just to reimburse that, I give him V8 Fusion juice. http://www.v8juice.com/fusion.aspx This has both vegetable and fruit juices in them. You can make smoothies and/or popsicles with it. Also, a friend of mine suggested the Jessica Seinfeld cookbook - Deceptively Delicious. It has some interesting ways to "sneak" some vegies in their belly's!! BUT, remember something that I failed to - 'try, try again' to offer the vegetables. After I bought the cookbook, pureed lots of vegies, I just offered him the vegetable of the night and he ate it. I fell into the habit of not even "bothering" to offer him the vegetables to avoid the "fights". Boy, was I in for a surprise! I've heard that we're supposed to try up to get them to eat a certain vegetable up to 10 times before giving up on it! So - DON'T give up and don't get too discouraged. Good luck - hope this helps!!

Try fruit smoothies. Save your "rotten" bananas and throw them in the freezer. Toss into a blender with some other fruits-melons are very juicy. See if she'll drink her fruit!

Hi K.,

I'm not a cook either but here are a couple of ways to cook veggies that my children love. You may already have tried these, but if not, they are quick and good.

Broccoli: Buy the frozen florets that you can steam in the bag in a microwave. Cook them as dirrected on the bag. When they are done, sprinkle with a mix of 4tsp of Parmesan cheese and 2tsp of lemon pepper. We all enjoy this.

Green Beans: Buy the green beans that come in a bag, pre washed etc. Put them in a pot of cold water and boil until they are bright green. You can cook until they are as crunchy or soft as you like. My kids like them crisp/crunchy. Drain the water and put butter and a little salt on them. Or, put lemon pepper on them instead of salt.

Asperagus: Buy fresh and wash. Break off the ends. Boil water ( I usually use a corning wear dish that is long enough so that the stems lie flat). Again boil until bright green, test for consistency. Drain and put lemon juice (and butter if desired) on it. Note that the asperagus can be chilled after cooking (if chilling then don't use the butter or lemon) and then served with ranch dressing.

You may have already tried these ideas, but if not I hope they help. The green beans and asperagus can be eaten with fingers which makes it more fun and easier for little ones.

There is a cookbook dedicated to hiding fruits and veggies in your cooking. It is writen by Jerry Seinfeld's wife. I forget the name of it, but I think it may have been a best seller. Any bookstore should know about it. They were mostly sold out before Christmas. It shows in detail how to use fruit and veggies purees in your cooking. Even in sweets!

S. A.

Try recipes in the cookbooks Deceptively Delicious or the Sneaky Chef. Both incorporate puree'd veggies into the recipes. It takes some work to roast or steam and then puree, but once that hard work is done, it's a snap to defrost & add them to your meals.

You may want to consider checking them out of the library to try out the recipes before you decide to buy. Some reviewers had great things and negative things to say about the recipes in both. I've tried the Deceptively Delicious and have found a few recipes that have worked and my kids (ages 6, 4 & 3) will eat. Namely the french toast, banana bread, chicken and noodle soup. You're lucky, at 2, your daughter will probably not be able to tell if the food tastes "off" of the original recipe as opposed to mine who know what it's supposed to taste like.

HTH,
K. C.

I mix the gerber carrots and green beans (toddler ones) in with spaghetti o's or spaghetti and meat and they don't even know they are there.

Also, my 2YO and 3YO love chicken nuggetts. So, I still by the Gerber Stage 1 carrotts and that is what I give them in little bowls to dip their nuggetts in and they are fine with that.

My kids also like the raw carrott chips instead of the baby carrotts (easier for them to eat) and i let them dip them in ranch dressing.

We also do ham and turkey rolls with cream cheese and I hide carrotts or green beans (still the gerber) in the rolls and the cream cheese hides them.

My 2YO loves avocados so she will eat them mashed on wheat crackers or toast.

Green Giant now has small cans of veggies with cartoon characters on the label. My 3YO will eat the green beans with the sponge bob square pants label on them. And there is another brand that has carrot slices in a small can that my kids are now starting to eat by themselves. Have you tried the niblets corn. I heat them on the stove with a teaspoon of olive oil or butter and a sprinkle of salt and my kids are really starting to eat them without me hiding them as much.

Good Luck and I hope some of this might help you. There is also a cook book called The Sneaky Chef that has some good things in it. I don't have the book, but my pedi told me about it and gave me a few photo copied recipies from her book when I was having such a problem with my kids not wanting veggies.

We had this problem with one of our foster sons. One of the things we did was homemade veggie pizza! If you put the sauce on, then a little bit of cheese, any veggies you want, then top with the rest of the cheese. That way they don't see the veggies. He LOVES it and eats every bite.

I have used spinach, broccoli, sweet red peppers, snow peas, etc. There's really nothing you can't use if you chop it up first.

Hope this helps!
S.

I've been a child care provider for almost 20 years. Here are
a few things to try. Cute containers (think outside the box)
I've used bath ducks, the kind that has a place for water. I've used a very large plate w/compartments, a surprise under
the plate. Sometimes it works when you look over her and give
carrots to everybody but her, she feels left out and wants some. Always remember, her tummy is very small and my doctor
told me 2 green beans for a two year old, 3 for a 3 yr. old and so on. (I cut the green beans into four pieces and tell
them these are "kids green beans") The BEST thing I use is
the Rainbow Plate. You make COLORS, "orange" not carrots,
"green" not peas, "yellow" not corn - you get the ideal. Then
you hold the bowl while she takes the spoon and puts orange
in her plate to make a rainbow and so on. I have had kids that gag on a tiny piece of carrot to fill their plate with
2 heaping spoonfulls and eat every last bit. The ideal is
THEY fill their plate, not someone else, it's not vegetables,
it's a RAINBOW.

Have fun with it. Keep on giving nutritious foods. I've had
parents give up and give an unhealthy snack OR whatever their child wants to eat. Then the child knows just how far they can push Mom or Dad before they cave in. They WILL eat if they are hungry. Never put too much on her plate, you'll
be defeated before you get started.

P. S

I am in the same boat with my 2 year old. I still put veggies on the plate two meals a day even if it goes to waste. Hopefully, she will start eating them again soon! We take Juice Plus (fruits and veggies in gummie or chewable form) to make sure we are getting all the daily nutrition we need since it is impossible to get the 9 recommended servings. Here is the site www.juiceplus.com/+jh72997 Good luck!
J.
PS: That book Deceptably Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld is great!!!

As a mom of 3 girls i know what you mean. I started cooking with the veggies. This has been great b/c my husband only like a few veggies as well. Fruit is never a problem. Anyway, i bought a very small counter top electric chopper. Now i turn spinach, broccoli, anything into liquid. I add it to almost every dinner dish we have. I still offer the veggies on the table. The liquid veggies are just a sneaky bonus. The girls have no idea but i have to hide it from my husband. He swears he can taste the difference. He caught me one time and yucked the meal but he has no idea i do this almost every night...ha! Whatever veggie i put on the table the kids must try. If they totally hate it, that's fine but at least they tried it. I love the hidden veggies. You can also continue to buy baby food jars of veggies. Cost a little more but it is super easy. Good luck!!!
Oh i know the fruits are much easier to swallow... But here is a quick recipe i got out of a magazine. I use this all the time now.
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 can pumpkin pie mix
mix together, it will be thick, and scoop into cupcake
liners and bake according to cupcake directions.
My kids think they are great. Like real cupcakes. They are super moist too. These are great for breakfast with coffee. Yum! Sometimes i will add a few chocolate chips to the mix.
I have started to use these for all my cupcake needs...bday parties, school events, church. I have tried the pumpkin pie mix with other cake mix flavors. They are good as well, but i am a chocolate freak! Enjoy!

the Sneaky Chef is the orignal book that the seinfeld lady for Deceptively Delicious copied. I bought the original one because i read a review on line where moms made 4 recipes that were similar out of both and their kids preferred 3:4 out of the original book. anyway, i absolutely love it and it was a springboard for me on how to put the purees in everything. for instance, i use their blueberry/spinach puree (which tastes wonderful) under her jam in her peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. she eats all her veggies now!

I have always insisted that my kids try everything. Now they are starting to get picky. My solution was to have more snacks of veggies available. I've made snacks for myself and my friend's kids,(that I know are big eaters)and they seem to join in happily. Usually with ranch to dip broccoli, carrots, and cucumbers in. I also (I know it's fattening) cook(steam)veggies with butter and salt in the pot. I love veggies(except peas, and sweet potatoes) so I eat them freely in front of my kids and they feel like they are missing out. I also make raps with thin slices of cucumbers, squash, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, chopped (black)olives, then put ranch dressing (w/bacon), cheese, luncheon meat. Then I put carrot and cucumber sticks and more ranch. I told my younger son that you really have to chew everything up to get the full flavor of it, and to see if you really like it or not. He loves asparagus, and now likes green onions in many things. I'm sorry that you little one is already 2 but this still might work you you. I really hope this helps.

Oh, I've learned that I didn't really like celery until I put cream cheese on it. And this is a great black eyed pea recipe that made me eat them with excitement. You take 1 can of black eyed peas, 1 can of rotel diced tomatoes(mild or whatever you like)and a small bottle of Italian dressing. Mix together and let marinate for at least 4 hours or over night. You'll want to drain in a colander just before serving as a dip w/tortilla chips. Yummmmm!

I honestly wouldn't worry to much about it just yet. This is very common with kids. You can puree it and hide it in foods (deceptively delicious by Jessica Seinfield is a GREAT book with easy recipes!)

Try the Deceptively Delicious Cookbook - it hides veges in things.

I got a cookbook for Christmas that was written by Jerry Seinfeld's wife. I can't remember the exact title, but it is all about cooking things for picky eaters. She uses a lot of vegetable purees and adds them to other dishes, so the kids don't know they are eating veggies. You don't want to make mealtimes battlegrounds if you don't have to, but the kids have to get some nutrition!!

I put veggies in Kefir smoothies. To make the smoothie, I fill the container with ice, Kefir, Agave Nectar (insulin friendly sweetener), fruit, and some spinach (can use any veggie). Then, I blend it in my Magic Bullet blender and pour it in a cup with a lid and a straw. My children don't suspect the spinach because I pour the drink in a colored cup to hide the non appetizing smoothie color and the nectar makes the drink sweet. I don't use exact measurements of the ingredients. However, I make sure to pour the nectar for 4 seconds using the Magic Bullet container. This ensures sweetness. Dr. Oz makes this other green drink full of veggies. If you google Dr. Oz green drink, I bet you can find it. I hope this helps.

Hi K.,

We are in the same boat. Boy is it a battle to get veggies into ANYONE in our family! I have to say, I was given the Deceptively Delicious cookbook (By Jessica Seinfeld) for Christmas...twice! (Can I take a hint or what?!) It is out of this world. The recipes really ARE delicious. I'm about to go eat the lasagna in a couple of minutes. It's a bit controversial in that the nutrients aren't so much in tact. BUT, the flavor, albeit slight, may work it's way into their tastebuds and turn them into future salad grazers! (This is what I tell myself anyway!) I think I'll take one of the other suggestions and try the smoothie V-8's too!

Good luck!
M.

I am 57 yrs. Old, and it took me 45 years before i ate salad, vegies with cheese, and i still do not like most green veggies. I have been told i am getting osteoporis(spelling not true) but bone loss. Other than that i am in good shape. I did have a lot of cavities when young. So maybe with all the natural vitimins today, you can subsitute some of them. When i was made to eat certain foods, i would throw up at the table. Not good. I've seen shows that show how to hide veggies in food.google receipies, good luck but don't worry too much. L.

My daughter is 13 now and has always been a healthy eater. She & her friends love a veggie tray with ranch dip or a fruit tray with dip. I always have this on hand because it is a hit for everyone and healthy.

One thing my DD LOVES are the new V-8 juices. There are smoothies and blended flavors. She loves the Strawberry Banana. I am NOT a V-8 fan and I really enjoy these juices. You cannot tell it is veggie at all.

OOPS...UPDATE.... I make my own marinara sauce and use V-8. Also, when something calls for a can tomato sauce.. I will often add a small can of V-8 instead of or along with the tomato sauce. That also helps!

Good luck!
Susan

I'm sure everyone is to going to agree with this answer, but stop worrying about it. My son wouldn't touch vegetables. In fact we have a letter written to him from when he was four and it's called "The day Travis ate a corn and lived" They develop taste for things as they go along in life. My Dr told me he would survive as long as he was eating. We aren't junk food eaters, but both of my sons when little preferred fruit to vegetables. They are healthy 25 & 22 old men.
Don't make time at the table a battle, enjoy the time together and occasionally try to throw a taste test into the measure.
Also, try putting some vegetables in meatloaf or meatballs. Give her vitamins and enjoy this little person.
J.

Someone in Mamascource suggested putting veggies in casseroles and it really works. Now I put it in meatloaf I will take fresh or canned veggies and puree them and add them to meat for speghetti or meatloaf just about anything that has a sauce. Good Luck. I have a Day Care and it seems they either eat it all or eat none. I have a very picky eater 3 yr who will not eat anything but meat. No fruits, no milk, or dairy or veggies. Makes me sick as I think one day kidneys or disease will be a bigger problem. G. W

Make your own pizza sauce, put a pizza together with all those pureed zukes and tomatoes buried in cheese, and cut it into tiny bite-sized squares for her. She'll love it.

Or, give her a dunking sauce of the same type and some bread sticks.

You can slip all sorts of minced veggies into meatballs and meatloaf.

Have her tear up lettuce to help you make salad "for the grownups" - eventually you can allow her to try some dunked in a bit of dressing, or show her how to wrap a big leaf of lettuce around a favorite lunch meat to make a crunchy sandwich with no bread.

Check out Jessica Seinfeld's book -- I don't remember the name of it, bt it's about ways to sneak veggies into foods kids will eat.

Hi K.,

I've learned a lot about nutrition over the years and what a peditrition told me was that it's not the amount of servings kids get in a day but the weekly culmination of nutrition that counts. You're doing a great job! I'm no stranger to the vegetable struggle and the stress that goes with it. After I understood that dinner time should not be a battleground, I eased my insisting and just relaxed about it,only offering with each meal and what do you know? It worked! You can also try pureeing squash and sneaking them into sauces. There will come a time when she'll eat better. Also, I wanted to mention a product that's been around for 15 years called Juice Plus+. It comes in delicious chewable gummies and is made from 17 vine ripened, raw, juiced fruits and veggies that have been dried and reduced to a powder. The kids love the gummies and they only cost .50 a day. Depending on your child's age,a two year old eats 2 fruit gummies and 2 vegetable gummies, which, by the way,don't taste like veggies, kids love them! Our bodies crave what we give it and I've literally had stand offs with my three year old not wanting to let me get out the door without peeling her a carrot. She craves vegetables. Now my kids eat raw broccoli, spinach,kale, cabbage, carrots, beets, tomatoes,oat& rice bran,Papayas, cheries, oranges, apples, cranberries,pineapples and peaches every day!. They taste great and kids don't know their eating vegetables. I have three little girls ages 7, 6, 3. They have been eating Juice Plus+ gummies for two years and, as God as my witness, they have been to the doctor's office for a sick visit one time in all these months. My 3 year old has been twice. If we give our immune system the proper nutrition it will keep us healthy. This is not a substitute for all of your f&v, but it will bridge the gap between what we are eating and what we should be eating. Call me if you'd like to know more about Juice Plus+, or go to my website at www.yesfruitsandveggies.com Blessings, Janice

I just bought a cook book "Decptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeild and it has everyday recipies on sneeky ways to get your kids to eat their veggies. It is really cool and has lots of great recipies. The trick is that you puree all the veggies and cook it in with what ever you cook. very creative. Good luck.

I have two daughters and I have to say that I am very blessed because they will both eat vegetable and fruit, but they have seen me eat it often. If it is new I tell them that we will try it together and we form our own opinion on each. I suggest that they try it at least once and if they don't like it then ok. I have found the more they see you and your spouse do something they will want to do it as well.

My 4 year old son will not eat any fruits or veggies except for 2 glasses of OJ every morning. I just haven't worried about it because he is healthy and active and the doctor says he is not worried. I just keep trying and if he says no then no it is. We can make dinner time a pleasent experience or a struggle. I chose a nice time. I do make sure he eats other healthy foods like whole wheat products and lean proteins and limit dessert to low cal and low fat choices. No Oreos or cupcakes except on special occasions. Good luck!

I have a cookbook called Deceptively Delicious. It has recipes that have you puree up all kinds of veggies and add them to meals. I have tried several of these and my 2 year-old, my husband and myself cannot tell they are there. It is good for all of us because we all need more veggies and it is often veggies we wouldn't normally eat. It has also just got me in the mindset of thinking about adding pureed veggies to recipes I already make on a regular basis, like tacos, spaghetti, etc. Jessica Sienfield is the author. Check it out.

I let my grandson help me cook it in a brown gravy that way the
flavor is a little different and still the vitamins are in the gravy i hope this will help you. I love my grandchildren
but----------it becomes a lot on the weekends when i have all of them i thought being a grandmother would be easy but believe me its not the only good thing is you get to give them back. I work full time with my own business so i don't get much time to rest Sunday evenings are about all i get. I love reading and helping others out when i can and i love animals. Talk soon.

It may be frustrating at times our children do not want to eat what we think they need to. I have a 9 and 7 year old who at times eat very well, but at other times are very challenged. Mostly the pressure in school gets to my son. He never understands why he is the only one in school who takes healthy food to school, he so desperately at times wants to be like all the rest. I do incorporate some not so good foods but the majority of his lunch is good. So I guess what I am saying is you need to be strong and conutinue to do what you are doing. Keep reintroducting healthy options. You may be surprised that one day that broccoli tree will be one of your little girls favorite. Don't give up!

Have you ever considered getting a vita-mix. I make smoothie drinks for my kids and put in many of their not so favorite fruits and veggie. I also make frozen popsicles for them that may have fresh mangos with a little spinach and they can not even tell the difference. The key is to add small quantities of the foods they do not like and they don't even know it is in the drink. There is a book called Deceptively Delicious or the Sneaky Chef which fools our kids while incorporating good food in foods that our kids like, but have no nutritional value. For instance, I make mac and cheese but use butternut squash as a base and my boy loves it. These books may give you more helpful hints.

In addition I give my children Juice Plus, if you would like additional information go to www.gotjuiceplus.com.

Ohh, I feel your frustration.

We started a No "Thank-you Helpings" (NTH) when our son was about your daughter's age. (Take just a couple bites) Our son is almost 11 and we still have to do it with some veggies and other foods too.

For the most over time it has been the education that helped the most. and remember it is a process and I encourage you to not get discouraged. Just knowing her disposition to not wanting/liking veggies - set your expectations that this will be a long long . . . long process (Years long) : - )

Much of what I'm going to suggest is not going to be fully understood by a 2 year old but at each level you use relative and appropriate information.

I focused on nutrition, the food pyramid, and the number of servings per day. (5 - 7 Fruits and vegetables per day and a balance between them like not all fruits) In the beginning and even now his servings sometimes on many vegetables are not as much as he should have but I feel some are better than none and it is the training process.

The serving size and amount of servings per day from the pyramid has helped in many other ways too - like limiting of the other things he really likes and wants way too much of.

1.) Eat veggie first always. My son likes bread and because that is an extra at most of our meals he doesn't get a bread until he has eaten his veggies.
2.) In the beginning, the NTH (really tiny) over time turns in to a little more/little more etc.
3.) He even threw some up into his napkin but just kept trying. (he still talks about a couple of those that we just accept he can't handle and we don't serve them . . . i.e. brussel sprouts)
4.) Variety of types:
i.e. Taco Tuesday (sometimes fajitas etc): For months we went through a variety of beans that we experimented with. Over time he has helped me find the different kinds of beans, ways they are available etc. He was also part of the process of helping figure out the best ways to cook them. He helped figure out what we liked as a family and those that are each family member's favorite. He has been a part of the menu selection so that sometimes we select and prepare those that are not his favorite because someone else likes them best. (always good to make them think about others and make choices for the sake of someone else)

(Also variety like Frozen vs can varieties etc.)

That process was good because we were all experimenting and we, as a family, talked about them, tried them and all did our "No Thank You" helpings and laughed about the bad ones, gagged at the really bad ones but figured out some good ones.

***** More about Nutrition education *****
I have a great Food Chart with Nutritional Benefits & Effects of a variety of vegetables and other foods. Having that information to reinforce the whole process is great education for him (also for me and my husband) It's a word document - email me and I'll send it to you if you want.

Some sites that I used:

http://sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition.asp

http://www.mypyramid.gov/

One thing we've tried that works is when each meal comes along prepare her plate for her. Give her small servings of each dish and tell her she can have seconds when her plate is empty. Don't push the veggies or she'll push back, but she won't starve.
We also like using spaghetti squash instead of or with spaghetti

In a food processor, grate some yellow and zuchini squash, and carrots. Buy some frozen spinach. Puree all of this in with spaghetti sauce and use it to top pasta and can be used as 'pizza' sauce. You can also mix the grated veggies with ground beef, a raw egg, and some italian breadcrumbs, and a little worchestershire sauce to make a meatloaf (which is very yummy!). Look on recipes.com for a recipe for zuchini bread. Its yummy too!
Have you tried sliced cucumbers with a little salt and lemon?

Holy Ravioli sells a delicious mixed vegetable ravioli and you would never know they are vegetable. They really are delicious. You can also buy them from Whole Foods freezer section.

I think my 4 year old is the pickiest eater ever! When he was an infant he ate all the fruits & vegis, but once ge got into solid foods that went downt the drain. We don't have a problem with fruits really, but vegis.... it is an ongoing worry. One thing that we do is we buy the V8 juice that is half vegis & half fruit. He loves it & at least he is getting some type of vegis!! I know he really needs to be open to EATING some vegis so I keep trying, but this puts my mind at ease just a little bit. Hope this helps !

Hi K.,
I have 4 kiddos ages 5 mo-6yrs and lots of ideas for you...What I have been doing lately that a friend told me she does with her kids is add spinach to fruit smoothies for breakfast or snacks. To make one large smoothie or two small smoothies I put 1 T flax seed (otional, but so good for you because of the omega 3 fatty acids--I grind it in about 10 seconds in my "Magic Bullet" blender (you could use a coffee grinder if you prefer)right before I make the smoothie). Next I grind (in the Bullet) about 1/4 c. raw almonds to a powder (optional, but adds lots of good protein and makes kids eating nuts a breeze! And only takes another 10-20 seconds). Add 1/2-1 ripe banana(or overly ripe if you want it sweeter or add a dried date or two), a handful or two of fresh spinach, then frozen fruit (about 1 c.) like, mango, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, etc...Add water to almost cover and blend! You could add yogurt, too if you want. Sounds disgusting, but my kids and I love it and they gulp it down gleefully!
Another, idea is to make zuchini or yellow squash healthy muffins made with whole wheat and honey I have a great recipe from my sis if you want the recipe just email me at ____@____.com
Also, try pureeing broccoli and other veggies and adding them to spaghetti sauce--works great!
Another thing I do is blend in fresh red bell pepper to hummus when I make that for pitas and dip--it makes it a nice red color and you never know it's in there.
Try making marinated salads--(I have ton's of recipes I cuold share if you like) and use your food processor to finely chop up parsley or cilantro, onion, cabbage, or any other veggie--it helps them chow it down if they can't determine what they are eating.
A book that I highly reccommend for more ideas that you really should think about getting is "Super Baby Food"--It is AWESOME and helped me sooo much. Another new book that disguises veggies into common foods is the one by Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry's wife)-can't remember the name of the book but I'm sure you could google it and find it or at any bookstore. Hope this helps!

A friend of mine has a son just like this! She purees veggies and "hides" them in food. Invest in a food processor (i got one for xmas and LOVE it!) puree mixed veggies and put them in tomato sauce (for pasta); pureed corn and spinach in scrambled eggs. I have heard of Deceptively (sp) delisious as a wonderful book that does exactly that.
Good luck!

Here is what I do and it's super easy!!! Spinach Quesidillas (Spray a little Pam in a skillet, add spinach until it's soft, chop, same skillet put in a flour tortilla with the spinach and monterry jack cheese)...Both of my son's love theses!! I cut it up into pieces for my 1 year old with kitchen scissors. When I cook them mac and cheese I always boil broccoli until is so soft I can easily mash it with the back of a fork and mix it in. We've also done spagetti squash in place of spaghetti. Campbell's vegeterian vegetable soup, oh and glazed carrots. Slice carrots, in skillet with water - just enough to cover boil until soft. Most of the water will be gone - add some butter and honey. That's all I can think of at the moment. Good Luck! PS sweet potato fries baked in the oven (I buy from Central Market) and I have an easy banana bread recipe I do for breakfast some times.

Try a veggie smoothie:
handfull of FRESH raw spinach
banana
apple juice
berries(frozen)
blend and serve...
it's delicious and you can't taste the spinach because the banana and apple juice are stranger flavors.

Sometimes I hide vegetables in my children's food. For example, I grate or finely mince carrots, zuchinni, squash, etc. into my meatloaf or meat patties before I cook them. They never know the difference and they eat it with no problems. Same is true for a spaghetti or marinara sauce.

I am a 39 year old mother of three, and my oldest, who is now 13, was at age 2 -- and still is -- a veggie hater! But after stressing out over it and trying all the tricks, my pediatrician said that if she's healthy, then don't sweat it. Just make sure she takes multivitamins. To this day, my eldest only eats corn. However, we've always been able to offset her aversion to veggies by giving her plenty of fruit. So if your daughter enjoys a variety of fruit, then just load up on them! My middle daughter, now 8 1/2, is a total veggie lover (go figure!) and my youngest, who is only 14 months, gravitates towards fruit although we can usually get her to eat peas, green beans and corn . . . we'll see how long that lasts once she hits those terrible twos! Good luck . . .

Hiding them is the best solution. Hide them and still present the "little trees" etc so she knows she's supposed to eat them. But don't make a big deal of it.

I think there's a few good books out there on hiding veggies and healthy stuff in food. I believe Jerry Seinfield's wife made a cookbook this past year on that exact topic.

Are *you* eating the vegetables? My son only wants what he sees me eating, as well. If you are, maybe you just need new recipes or ways to hide the veggies. Two of my favorites (tasty and easy) are a vegetable casserole filled with sweet, roasted veggies and a mac and cheese with lots of vegetables "hidden" inside. If you are interested, let me know and I can type out the recipes for you!

Good luck!

K.-
Have you tried Jessica Seinfeld's cook book about sneaking veggies into other foods? Ideally, I would like my 2 year old to eat broccoli, green beans, etc. without having to sneak them. But it's just not happening. So, now I sneak them into food he will eat. I've even come up with my own ideas, not in her book. But the book was a good start. Just last night I put finely chopped greens into the jambalaya (aka jungle-aya). It was not puree'd, but the pieces were so small they didn't notice and couldn't pick them out. :)

K.,
It will take you some time but getting the little one to plant the seed and watch the veggies grow will get your little girl to eat veggies. Get some flower pots and start them now. Grow squash, melons, green peas, tomatoes, and water them with your little bit. Make them hers, grow some lettuce, and then tell her she is growing a salad of her own. I even grew pumpkins in the flower beds. It worked! both of my children are good veggie eaters. She who grows the salad will eat it.
For the short term try grating squash and putting it in your meatballs and meatloaf. Grate carrots and add them to salmon patties. Try getting her to eat chinese food. My kids ate egg fuyung for years before they learned that cabbage and egg hid underneath the brown gravy they adored.
Good Luck and God Bless
A.

K.,

Have you tried the V8 Fusion drink? Each 8 oz. gives 1 serving of fruit AND vegetables. It's really good -- even my 13 yr. old loves it! We really like the Strawberry Banana flavored. I mix it with Diet Twist Up (the Wal-Mart version of Sprite) for a little more "zing." Give her some with a few carrots for snack and at least she's getting something!

Good Luck!

There's a book called "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld. It is full of kid friendly recipe ideas that hide veggies. You steam and puree the veggies ahead of time and freeze them. Then just pull them out and add to whatever you are making. Even Desserts.

You're dealing with a 2 year old who is controlling the meal and keeping all activity and conversation revolving around her. Mom and Dad should have their plates loaded with different vegetables. They should talk to each other in a normal adult voice, discussing how good each of their vegetables is. One should ask the other, "May I try that?" or "You should try this!" and taste the other one's vegetable and say, "You're right, that is good! Thanks for sharing." All this time ignoring the daughter. Do not ask her to try the food. Continue this through a few meals and she'll be begging to "try" your vegetables.

I'm a 55 year old Mom who suffered through the meal time battles with a picky eater son until I learned to be in control.

My son went through a similar phase at that age. Before he would eat veggies then decided he did not want to any more. We always put them on his plate and talked to him about eating them but he still wouldn't. Since he eats healthy and would still eat fruit we decided not to stress too much about it. Then he slowly started eating veggies again. I would say if you can get a few down her and she eats healthy otherwise then don't stress. Just keep offering. Now at age 4 we have started the no thank you bite. DS has to try at least 1 bite of something and if he does not like it that is fine he does not have to eat it anymore.

hide them! you can puree pretty much any veggie & hide it in sauces & casseroles & things. tomato sauces are very easy to hide pureed veggies in, & also meatloafs & burgers. have you tried homemade pot pies? or casseroles? will she drink v-8? (now they have ones with fruits & veggies, i just make sure i always get the low sodium ones)
good luck!