I went to the Wellesley Mother’s Forum lecture last night to check out “Sneaky Chef,” Missy Chase Lapine, who helps families incorporate secret ways for getting vegetables and fruits into their meals.  I was a bit skeptical because I think if you hide all the vegetables, then kids won’t develop a palate for their taste and texture. I love seeing my daughter eat farm fresh carrots and deep leafy greens, but I understand the reality that many kids (mine included) aren’t always too keen on garden delights so alternative measures are required.

Missy uses purees, and “decoys” to integrate things like blueberries and spinach into burgers, or sweet potatoes and cauliflower into spaghetti sauce. She also continues to advocate addding lots of veggies and fruits to the family meal in addition to what’s hidden inside. “The best way to get kids to eat their vegetables is to eat it yourself and tell them they can’t have it,” said Missy.  A little reverse psychology never hurts!  You can find more about her “sneaky” books at www.thesneakychef.com.   Moms, I look forward to hearing your creative ways for sneaking fruits and vegetables into your family meals!