The Chef’s Answer

There is a transitional phase when you are introducing healthier eating into your home. This can be true for adults and children alike. It is unrealistic to expect that your family will be 100% on board with your healthier choices without any resistance. People eat what tastes good, and it may take some time to aquire a taste for healthier foods. One tip is to introduce things slowly. You may eat the vegetables because you know they are healthy, but your family may think they don’t taste good. Sorry moms, but kids tell all!

Here are some tips to help beef up the flavor in your veggies:

• When blanching or steaming veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and asparagus, DO NOT overcook them. You don’t want to cook them until they are mushy and fall apart. The key here is to cook them al dente, or just until soft, but still have some crunch and texture. This is also the healthier way to serve them since you are leaving more of the fiber in tact.
• If you are still having the resistance, try stirring in a few drops of organic raw agave nectar to the veggies after steaming. This gives them just a hint of sweetness, and helps to enhance the natrual flavor, but be careful not to make it too sweet. You don’t want your kids to think they get “candied” veggies with every meal. We did this in our home for a few months to help with the transition, and we gradually phased it out. Now our kids eat steamed veggies with nothing on them, and they love it!