Start Them When They're Young!

I had lunch with some friends today and somehow our conversation turned to the subject of vegetables.  O.K., so I just happened to mention the CSA we joined this year.  But, hey!  Admit it - vegetables can make for some interesting conversation.  We discussed those vegetables that tend to be unpopular, such as kale, Brussels sprouts, and spinach and I found that one of my friends and I honestly like them.  Why?  Because we were both served them when we were young - served them and ate them.  Yeah, we probably were not crazy about them the first time or two or three that we had them.  But our parents were persistent and insistent.  Not eating our vegetables was not an option.  Now,  -- years later, we both really like these (and just about all other) vegetables.  My point here?  Start them when they're young and your children will develop a taste for the healthiest foods.  Yes, you have to eat them, too.  But as you begin to develop a taste for what you think you do not like, keep telling yourself, "this is good for me, this is real good for me, and it is great for my kids".  Plus, there are delicious ways to prepare all seemingly distasteful vegetables.  Spinach is amazing in Spanakopita; stewed with rice, vegetable broth and tomato sauce; or baked into ready-made pizza crust with cheese and sauteed scallions.  Kale is good with white beans, and Brussels sprouts are nice with Parmesan and butter or margarine.  My lunch-time friend said that all 3 taste great with vinegar and seasonings. 

I think of my friend who is a Vegan and whose 2 year old son loves all greens and just about every other vegetable out there.  When I had lunch with the two of them, I was blown away by what this adorable little boy ate.  Why, you may be wondering, do I have a picture of my son as a 3 year old on this post?  Well, it's because he was allergic to most "popular" foods at that age and ate with gusto what he could - including most vegetables.  To this day, even though he can now eat almost anything, I am hard-pressed to find any food that he won't eat or that he does not like.   (Healthy) food for thought.....

Can't wait until we start getting those vegetable boxes later this month!   I plan to dazzle my family with the recipes I will make with whatever should happen to be found in them each week.  Until next time, happy and healthy eating!