Make one meal for the whole family
“Be the “executive chef, not a short-order cook” is one of the mottos of registered dietitians Janice Newell Bissex and Liz Weiss aka the Meal Makeover Moms (MMMs). There’s no reason choosy kids should get custom-made meals. When preparing a family meal, make one main course, but offer several side dishes including at least a couple that appeal to pickier palates (fruit, cheese, whole grain bread, etc.).
Don’t sneak in the veggies
The Moms don’t agree with the trendy technique of pureeing vegetables and blending them into foods in the hope that kids won’t notice them. Doing so sends the message that vegetables don’t taste good, which will reinforce a child’s already negative opinion about them. If you want to mix some carrots into the lasagna, go for it—just don’t keep it a secret from your kids. (These are the healthiest vegetables you can eat.)
