Creating New Vegetable Lovers

Wow! This Easter dinner blew me away.

I told you last week about my struggles with trying to find dishes that would satisfy everyone’s tastes, and medical problems.

I totally did not expect what happened – 

I had settled on the marinated vegetables, and I was going to make plain boiled potatoes for those who did not want the vegetables.

Then my daughter tells me she is bringing broccoli salad. And I had 4 pounds of green beans. Heavy on the vegetables for a family that used to eat only corn or green beans.

I put the marinated vegetables on the table to warm up to room temperature, and my dad – the main person that doesn’t eat vegetables – starts digging in to it. What the ???? He has Alzheimer’s. He must have forgotten that he doesn’t like vegetables.

To my total surprise, the vegetables were devoured.

I can’t explain it. I wasn’t expecting it.

My daughter’s boyfriend used to insist that he didn’t care for vegetables. He always ate whatever I put in front of him. My daughter tells me that if she is cutting up broccoli, he is always grabbing it. He asks for salad.

One time when my daughter was young, the kids were munching on a lot of cookies and candy in the afternoon. One day I put a big bowl of broccoli on the table with some dressing for dipping. They gave me a funny look, but I’ll be darned – it wasn’t too long before it was all gone.

They loved cherry tomatoes, and grapes, and cheese. They would eat healthier foods on their own if it is available.

I had a co-worker who was pulling her hair out. She said that her kids would not eat anything green. I told her the bowl of broccoli story and told her to try it. After a couple of months she tells me that her kids love vegetables, especially broccoli!

So, what is the lesson here?

It only takes one person to be a catalyst for healthier eating, and patience.

Lead by example.

Put vegetables out there.

Experiment with new recipes to keep things exciting.

They will eat it.

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