Friday, October 26, 2007
Eating veggies without knowing it
There's a new book out called Deceptively Delicious. Its raison d'être is to get kids to eat vegetables but without them knowing (the kids, not the veggies, heh). Written by Jerry Seinfeld's wife, the book's underlying assumption is that many kids don't like vegetables and won't eat them even if they should and even if Mom and Pop like them and try to be even-handed about presenting them as just as yummy as other foods. I know several kids who actually like vegetables, so I'm not sure about the premise, but maybe my small sample doesn't count. Anyway, I'd be curious to know what any CRRs think about it all.
I was a picky eater as a child and am still a picky eater as an adult, but I've found that as I've cooked more and become more familiar with various foods and they're "demystified," I'm learning to like more things. I think familiarity helps breed enjoyment. (Many different kinds of fresh veggies and herbs and whatnot just weren't served when I was a child...probably many of them weren't even available in the '60s and '70s!) I introduce things to my family gradually and don't require they finish them, only try them...and it gradually works. (My youngest LOVES salad...and shallots!)
If I were a child who discovered there was "good for you" stuff I was leery of hidden in my food, I don't think I'd be too happy. It might even make some children more hesitant to eat things, although perhaps there will be others who think "Oh, that didn't taste bad" and be inclined to eat more.
I think a better idea is to get the little kids involved in the food preparation and get them excited about food and interested in trying what they cook.
JMHO, of course! :)
Best wishes,
Laura
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