Simple Tricks To Get Your Kids To Appreciate Broccoli

May 20
05:56

2024

Christine Steendahl

Christine Steendahl

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Most children are notoriously picky when it comes to eating green vegetables. They have their favorites, and then there are those they refuse to touch. If your child is reluctant to try anything green, there are several strategies to encourage them to consume and even enjoy broccoli. This article will explore various methods to make broccoli more appealing to kids, starting with incorporating it into dishes they already love.

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Incorporate Broccoli into Favorite Dishes

Macaroni and Cheese

One of the easiest ways to introduce broccoli to your child's diet is by adding it to a dish they already enjoy,Simple Tricks To Get Your Kids To Appreciate Broccoli Articles such as macaroni and cheese. According to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, children are more likely to eat vegetables when they are mixed with familiar foods (source).

  1. Steam the Broccoli: Steam a pot of broccoli until it is tender but still vibrant green.
  2. Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese: Cook the macaroni and cheese as you normally would.
  3. Combine: Stir the steamed broccoli into the macaroni and cheese. For easier consumption, cut off the stalks and use only the florets.

Casseroles

Casseroles are another excellent way to sneak in some broccoli. Whether it's a cheesy chicken and rice casserole or a beef and noodle casserole, adding broccoli can make the dish more nutritious without altering the taste significantly.

  • Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole: Transform this classic dish by adding broccoli florets.
  • Beef and Noodle Casserole: Add a touch of green with some broccoli florets.

Potpies

Potpies are a favorite among many kids. Most potpies contain chunks of potatoes, carrots, and green beans. If you are making it homemade, consider adding a few baby broccoli florets to the vegetable mixture. The flavors will blend seamlessly, making it hard for kids to notice the added greens.

Offer Broccoli as a Snack

Sometimes, kids prefer vegetables raw. Offering broccoli as a snack can be an effective way to get them to eat it.

  • Raw Broccoli with Dip: Set out a plate of raw broccoli florets with a bowl of ranch dressing. If ranch isn't their favorite, try cottage cheese, yogurt, or another type of dressing.

Use Sauces to Enhance Flavor

Broccoli often pairs well with various sauces, making it more palatable for kids.

  • Cheese Sauce: A classic choice, but be mindful of the fat content. Opt for low-fat cheese or light cheese spreads like Velveeta®.
  • Salsa Con Queso: Light salsa con queso is another delicious option for a sauce topping.

Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. According to the USDA, one cup of raw broccoli provides 135% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C (source).

Interesting Stats

  • Broccoli Consumption: Despite its nutritional benefits, only 10% of children in the U.S. consume the recommended amount of vegetables, including broccoli (source).
  • Health Benefits: Regular consumption of broccoli has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer (source).

Conclusion

Getting your kids to appreciate broccoli can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. By incorporating it into their favorite dishes, offering it as a snack, and using flavorful sauces, you can make broccoli a more appealing option. With its numerous health benefits, it's worth the effort to include this nutritious vegetable in your child's diet.

This article provides practical tips and strategies to help parents encourage their children to eat and enjoy broccoli. By integrating broccoli into familiar dishes, offering it as a snack, and enhancing its flavor with sauces, parents can make this nutritious vegetable more appealing to their kids.