Getting our kids to eat fresh fruit and vegetables can be a daily struggle, especially when we know they would rather be having Mac n Cheese for dinner. Nevertheless, we persevere at the dinner table each and every night.
We find ourselves concocting the most unusual persuasion tactics - 'you’re a dinosaur, eat these trees!’ (broccoli), 'you’re the Easter Bunny, you love carrots!’ or just plain 'eat it, or you can forget about dessert!”. But sometimes imagination and promises of growing "big and strong” just aren’t enough to convince our little tykes to nourish their bodies with nutrients.
So, here’s a new tactic to try - creative combinations your kids are sure to love! The phrase 'opposites attract’ rings clear and true with these weird and wacky pairs.
Avocado and WHAT?
Avocados are delicious, easy to prepare, and eat on the go - perfect for the morning. Avocados have more potassium than a large banana, and are high in protein. The antioxidants, amino acids and essential oils inside an avocado can also help repair damaged hair, moisturise dry skin, treat sunburns and maybe even minimise wrinkles.
Avocado and Jam
Hard to imagine? This sweet and creamy combo is actually delicious. Kids love jam on toast for breakfast, so adding avo is a great way to sneak some extra goodness in there!
Avocado and Vegemite
Vegemite - an Aussie breakfast staple. It may be an acquired taste, but it’s great for growing bodies. Vegemite is an excellent source of B vitamins. One teaspoon provides half an adult’s daily requirements for folate and thiamine. Paired with Avo, this creates a whole new taste sensation - creamy and salty deliciousness!
Avocado and Honey
If avo on toast alone doesn’t tickle the fancy of your little ones, try adding a touch of sweetness. By drizzling a little honey on top and your avo toast you can satisfy your sweet tooths and create a whole new dimension of flavour. Make sure you buy high-quality honey to ensure full of important antioxidants.
Peanut Butter and WHAT?
You can put peanut butter on just about anything and it will be amazing! Peanut butter has protein as well as potassium — which lowers the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. It also contains fibre for your bowel health, healthy fats, magnesium to fortify your bones and muscles, Vitamin E and antioxidants.
Banana and Peanut Butter
Banana and peanut butter - what a combo? If you haven’t tried this, you really need to! The smooth creamy texture of the peanut butter perfectly complements a nice, ripe banana. Banana is a heavyweight when it comes to nutrition. It is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, riboflavin, and B6. These all contribute to the proper functioning of the body and keeping you healthy.
Mango and Peanut Butter
Peanut butter and mango - delicious separately, but what about together? Mango and peanut butter on toast is a must-try for everyone looking for a little breakfast excitement. Mangoes are full of health benefits - they can lower cholesterol, boost the immune system and improve eye health!
Apple and Peanut Butter
This is a classic combo. Grandmothers have been onto this one for years! Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fibre. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes, and heart disease.
Broccoli and Honey
Last but not least, broccoli and honey. Ok, we know what you’re thinking on this one, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Broccoli has to be one of the hardest veggies to get the little ones to swallow. But, but a bit of honey is sure to sweeten the deal! Just boil or steam your broccoli and add a touch of honey while it’s still warm. Broccoli is a superfood, packed full of vitamins and minerals that help little bodies grow up big, strong and healthy!
We’d love to see you try any of these combinations! Click here to share your feedback and photos, or tag us on Instagram @FreshforKids.