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Loving veggies is normal. Most distaste for veggies is either modeled behavior or a matter of texture. How your mother made your peas influenced your decision to keep eating them or not. To what degree your dad enjoyed broccoli greatly influenced your thoughts about “green trees.” They key to a lifelong love affair with veggies starts young.
If you don’t have an affinity for veggies, make changes in your own beliefs and model positive food culture for your family. Let’s take a look at the biggest objections for some common veggies and how to remedy their bad rap.
Common objection- Broccoli tastes horrible!
Remedy- Explore alternative ways to cook broccoli. Instead of steaming or boiling, roast broccoli in garlic olive oil and try this crispier, nuttier-flavored version.
Common objection- Cabbage tastes and feels horrible!
Remedy- Thinly slice cabbage and sauté on high heat with bacon. Allow the cabbage and bacon to cook together for a smoky and wonderfully salty combination.
Common objection- Peas and carrots are mushy!
Remedy- Avoid canned veggies. The processes used to preserve the veggies depletes them of their crispness and makes their mouth-feel less appealing. Fresh is always best, but frozen is a good second choice. Don’t overcook your veggies and don’t forget to season them well.
Common objection- I’ve hated insert-veggie-here my whole life!
Remedy- Tastes change throughout our lives. What you disliked as a child may be due to preparation or a negative comment from someone you attached to the undeserving veggie. Always be willing to retry things you thought you didn’t like and be open to changing your mind.
Common objection- I am bored with most veggies
Remedy- Be on the hunt for new ways to prepare veggies. Look at international recipes for ethnic ways to prepare veggies you already enjoy but are bored with. Go to restaurants that offer new and exciting versions of veggies and be open to a new preparation.
Do what you can to make loving veggies easier for your family. Expose your kids to a wonderful rainbow of veggies prepared in multiple ways, and encourage them to try them again and again – making new associations with the healthy benefits and tasty textures.
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