ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY EXTENSION – NANCY PIHL
The Dole Food Company recently completed a survey on the eating habits of 6 to 12 year old children. Their report, ?Fruit and Vegetable Update: What America?s Children Are Eating? stated that these kids are eating far too much fat and sweets and only 2.4 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
That?s less than half of the five servings per day recommended by the Food Guide Pyramid and the ?5-a-day for Better Health? promotion. Why aren?t kids eating more fruits and vegetables?
As many parents could tell you, some kids just don?t like the taste of many fruits and vegetables. Other kids are reluctant to try even a small bite of certain foods. So how can kids be encouraged to eat their fruits and veggies? Let them dunk it!
Creamy dips that fruit and vegetables can be dipped into will appeal to many children. Here are a few recipes that might help your kids dunk their way to ?5-a-day.?
VEGGIE DUNK
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
3 finely chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Stir all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate for several hours. Serve raw vegetables such as carrots sticks, cucumber slices, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, and bell peppers. Yields 4 servings.
Nutritional Information: calories?40, fat?1g, carbohydrates?5g, protein?3g.
Dunk your way to 5-a-day
