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Taste

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Brussel sprouts, spinach and broccoli are wonderfully nutritious foods, but most children won't touch them. Their rejection of these veggies has nothing to do with nutritional value, and everything to do with taste.

Nutrition is important. Food is the fuel that keeps our bodies going while it provides the vitamins and minerals we need for good health. But let's face it, the average person will choose meals based on flavor, aroma and appearance. When faced with dinner, kids will usually go for the comforting and familiar mac & cheese, and pass by the salad and healthier choices.

Kids aren't the only ones who care about taste. I refuse to eat foods that are "healthy" but taste like cardboard - or worse. Food is bigger in our lives than just a fuel source. It is at the heart of every meaningful celebration; it provides comfort, and helps us express important emotions like love, appreciation and acceptance. Imagine the messages sent with a gift of homemade chocolate chip cookies compared to a bowl of lima beans. Certainly the lima beans are better for me, but I'll pick the cookies every time!

The trick is to learn how to cook healthy food and make it taste great. If we overcook vegetables, they lose flavor and valuable nutrients. Herbs and spices add loads of interest and flavor to a dish without the added fat and calories of butter and oils.

It is possible to have nutrition and great taste. It simply takes a little effort to try new things, new ways of cooking and eating to find the foods that provide both. There is no reason to sacrifice flavor for the sake of nutrition. We really can have our cake and eat it, too.

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