by Jen Allbritton

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: June 28, 2011

How to make yucky but healthful foods more palatable

Not everyone swoons over broccoli, or gobbles up sardines especially pint-sized lads or lasses new to these nourishing foods. Parents know full well that the vitamins and minerals these foods possess will help keep their children's brains firing strong, their bones thick and sturdy, and their attention spans at their maximum. However, for many parents, getting kids to eat healthful foods is just too much of a battle to fight. But wait! With a little fancy footwork in the kitchen, you might be surprised what you can accomplish at mealtime.

Start them when they are young

If at all possible, start feeding children all sorts of whole foods from the get-go Brussels sprouts, vegetable soups, strong-tasting fish, nuts and seeds. With an early start, they are more likely to accept these foods as they grow older.

Make it fun

Even if it is the first time your child has tasted a turnip, talk about what kind of veggie it is, how yummy it tastes, and how it is Grandpa's or Aunt Susie's favorite. Put a smile on your face and your child will often follow suit. Also, seek out more simple, child-friendly dishes. Roast up a pan-full of different root vegetables with some salt, olive oil, and a little sprinkle of evaporated cane juice sugar. No need to make meals gourmet. Or, whip up some hummus with garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, salt and a touch of orange juice. Slather it into whole-grain pita pockets and allow the kids to stuff them full of chopped veggies and leftover meats. How about getting the kids' hands messy while mixing up a burger blend with ground free-range turkey meat, cilantro or parsley, crumbled or shredded cheese and a little salt and mustard. Get them excited about using their fingers and touching the food.

Eat together

A family that eats together sticks together. Laughing, enjoying each other's company and good food will encourage children to eat along with you and make better choices when they are on their own. Also, if dinnertime is a normal part of each day, it won't take long for kids to get the idea that dinner is what is served, no short order cooks in this family!

Mix and match

Certain super-nourishing foods can easily be mixed in with other foods with no one being the wiser. For example, ground or diced organic liver which is a powerhouse of B-vitamins and vitamin A goes well in chili, meatloaf, or even a sausage scramble. Omega-3-rich sardines are easily mashed into crab or salmon cakes

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