Monday Message - Fruits & Veggies!

Do you struggle to get your grade-schooler to eat fruits and vegetables? If so, don’t feel like you’re alone. Check out this article by the Kid's Eat Right Campaign for more information on encouraging your children to Explore, Choose and Cook Fruits and Vegetables:  Exploring We Will Go


Review the following ideas for rethinking your child's fruit and vegetable consumption:

• Read the labels....check for added sugar in packaged fruit products.
• Offer diluted 100% juices instead of sugary drinks.
• Make smoothies using frozen fruit, milk and unsweetended yogurt.
• Try making homemade dried fruit rollups with no sugar added.
• Rethink the PB&J....used mashed (frozen) berries instead of jelly.
• Healthy snacks can include dried fruits and vegetables in a trailmix.
• Sliced fruits and vegetables are portable...make it easy!
• Ditch the syrup....add fresh fruit or heat up berries and mash them before spreading on the pancake or waffle.

Don't forget that Adults need plenty of fruits and vegetables too!
Start your day with a serving of fruit like a banana on-the-go, a large handful of berries on your cereal or  a small fresh fruit smoothie.
Snack on fruits throughout the day:  Apples or plums make the perfect "fast food."
Try raw veggies with lowfat dip such as hummus or cottage cheese blended with dill.
Enjoy your favorite beans and peas as a side dish or on a salad. 
Add frozen veggies to your casseroles, pasta sauce or main dish.
Eat a big salad at lunch...not just lettuce and cheese!
Try new fruits and vegggies....mango, kohlrabi or hybrids.

What's your favorite way to sneak fruits and veggies in your kid's meals?