We are blessed with several farmers markets in the Chippewa Valley, making the availability of fresh vegetables easily accessible. Looking for one close to you? Call us for local locations. Grocery shopping is also a fun time to learn colors and names of vegetables.
Not a veggie fan? There are several ways to incorporate vegetables into meals; whether your a veggie fan or not. Consider steaming vegetables and puree, mash, chop or shred and add to spaghetti sauces, lasagna, meatloaf, meatballs, casseroles, or noodles/rice dishes. “Hiding” veggies is a great way to slide them ‘under the radar’ for the more picky eater and incorporating them into your meals for optimum nutritional value.
Raw, roasted or steamed vegetables are the perfect side dish during these lovely warm summer days. Try the veggies first approach. Put vegetables on your plate first, protein next and finish with a starch or grain. Keeping prepped and cut vegetables available in your fridge makes snack time easy. Having children help with meal prep is also a great way to establish the healthy habit of choosing vegetables. Children love to eat what they help to cook. Your child is more likely to eat vegetables that they have helped pick out or prepare. Small tasks like washing vegetables, stirring foods together in a bowl, tearing lettuce and breaking apart cauliflower or broccoli are all excellent ways to involve your child in the making of the family meal.
