October 14, 2020

Wellness Wednesday
Keeping wellness for kids in mind means getting a balance of nutrients and trying to include more servings of fruits and vegetables. If your kids are open to trying things and enjoy their fruits and veggies, then count yourself lucky! For many families, it’s a challenge to get enough servings and a variety so that the body gets many nutrients. Eating a rainbow of color is one tip I’ve often suggested, because the color of fruits and veggies has an impact on the types of nutrients it contains and their nutritional value.

If your child is picky and it’s a challenge to get them to eat a variety (or any) fruits and veggies then it’s always helpful to get some new ideas to try. Seasonally, their interests might change because the options for fruits and veggies change. Getting out to pick your own at a local farm or growing your own can help build their interest. But, when those things aren’t possible, you can find recipes that include (not necessarily hide in a sneaky way) more produce. Mushrooms can be blended with ground meat. Pureed squash can be added cheese sauce for Mac & Cheese. Carrots and zucchini can be ground up and added to meatloaf or meatballs. There are MANY ways that you can try to bump up the servings they consume without taking away the things they enjoy and agree to eat. But, it’s important to start slowly, and be honest so they don’t stop trusting you all together.

Here’s some info for adding more during the Fall, based upon what is in season.