Getting kids to eat vegetables is an enormous task, and it can test the limits of a parent's patience on a daily basis. While vegetable consumption is one of the best things you can impress upon a child for good health, all kids know is that they want good-tasting food. Most vegetables have a perception of tasting bland as we all know.

So, when Jessica Seinfeld published a book recently that suggested dressing up those veggies in sugary treats and other types of junk foods, the reaction was mixed.

Yes, that approach does get kids to eat veggies, but at the same time it's giving the psychological impression that those sugary foods are okay to eat. This is not good, and a dietician is taking issue with Seinfeld's book because of this.

What do you think? If you could get your child to eat vegetables by hiding them in cupcakes and other 'foods,' would you do that? Why or why not?

Source

As fabulous as we at That's Fit think this blog is, the truth is there are hundreds of wonderful blogs on healthy living to be seen all over the blogosphere. So in this feature, Fit Links, we'll introduce you to some that have caught our eye.

Anytime Oprah backs a new author, it's guaranteed to generate some buzz, and that, combined with Jessica Seinfeld's famous last name ensured that Deceptively Delicious did not disappoint. From what I understand (I have not read the book), Seinfeld's book discusses ways to sneak nutritious foods into kid-friendly fare so that even the most finicky of kids can eat well, without even knowing it.

In the world of parent blogging, the book has created a stir. Some parents love the book, and are enthusiastic about finding new ways ways to use vegetable purees in their cooking. Other parents are concerned that deceiving their children might not be the best way to teach them healthy habits. Still others are saying "just say no" to the whole idea. Over at Parent Bloggers Network, 40 parents who've read the book share their thoughts.

Source

Pureed cauliflower mac 'n cheese, kale spaghetti and meatballs -- sneaky meals for kids' picky palates. Jessica Seinfeld has written a new book, Deceptively Delicious, filled with traditional recipes kids love -- with fruit and veggies folded in. A mother of three, Seinfeld stands strong against the sugar-filled, packaged meals and processed foods busy families commonly toss in front of finicky children.

The book includes a month's worth of nutritious, kid-nummy meals, tear-out shopping guides and humorous personal stories. It better be funny, she's a Seinfeld. With help from a nutritionist and chef, Seinfeld developed meals containing elements kids need -- protein, calcium, vitamins and Omega 3 and 6 fats.

My three-year-old daughter loves cauliflower, but I'd have a tough time selling kale to either of my kids. I'm considering purchasing the book just to try the kale spaghetti and meatball recipe. But I would not stop serving a vegetable with each dinner. Exposure to a variety of tastes and textures may help break through those picky palates. Picture from Amazon.

Source