Cooking for Kids

Sneak in Healthy Food

By Missy Chase Lapine, Photographs by Tina Rupp
PRINT


See Also
How to make meals she's sure to eat
What you can do to encourage a more adventurous eater
Handling Finicky Food Behavior
Incorporate fruit and veggies into your kids' diets in ways they will love
Our toddler hates vegetables. Are juices a good substitute?
Top 10 Picky Eating Articles
Sneak in Healthy Food with The Sneaky ChefMy first child, Emily, ate whatever was put in front of her. My second, Samantha, followed suit  -- until she turned 2. Then she'd eat only food that was smooth or a certain color; soon Emily wouldn't touch anything that was the wrong color or texture, either. I tried to make food cute or mini, using the "10 to 15 times" exposure rule. Nothing worked for long.

Then I had an "aha!" moment. Emily was sick, so I mixed her antibiotic into chocolate pudding to get it down her throat. If I could do this with medicine, I thought, why not with healthy ingredients?

I drew up list A: Foods Kids Eat Happily. Then I compiled list B: Most Healthful Ingredients. I set out to find the cleverest ways to hide items on list B in foods on list A and came up with these nutritious purees to blend into kid favorites. The result: peaceful, relaxed family meals where my kids eat everything!

Want to get vitamins and nutrients into your kids without a fight? Start with the secret weapon: the purees. Then, try one of the following favorite kid recipes:


Sneak in Healthy Food: Crunchy Mac and Cheese Crunchy Mac and Cheese
This classic gets another boost from its whole-grain topping.
View this recipe



Sneak in Healthy Food: Power Pizza Bagels Power Pizza Bagels
You can prep and refrigerate, then bake anytime for a snack.
View this recipe



Sneak in Healthy Food: Super Burgers
Super Burgers
The familiar taste of ketchup makes the puree undetectable.
View this recipe


Sneak in Healthy Food: Better-for-You Brownies
Better-for-You Brownies
Use any brownie mix you like; these come out moist and delicious!
View this recipe






Sneak in Healthy Food with The Sneaky ChefAdapted from The Sneaky Chef

ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

10 Comfort Foods Everyone Will Love

Sometimes, it's easier to stick to the tried and true, like chicken pot pie and pancakes!

promotion
 

Blog: The Daily Fave

Shawn: "Sure, it helps to know what a mucus plug is, but mostly guys need books that offers simple, streamlined, practical info that doesn't get bogged down with a lot of 'medical diagrams' or 'compound sentences.' Well have I got the book for you, Pops." Updated frequently.

Blog: The Parenting Post

Mighty Maggie: "I have been in charge of the family finances for about a year now and I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING." Updated Daily!

The Best Toys of 2009

We're giving away over $900 worth of toys! Enter BOTH giveaways once a day until December 14
Birthday Parties

31 Amazing Birthday Cake Designs

Sweet! The easiest, cutest cakes for boys and girls