Starting Slowly with #OneNewFood: Starfruit and Okra Chips

I mentioned yesterday that I really want to introduce my kids to a wider variety of food.  This became a priority for me when I asked Pork Chop and Pea to think of foods they like so I can start meal planning.  Pork Chop asked what a meal plan was so I answered that it is a weekly menu of things to eat.

While I was in the shower, they took my suggestion to heart and went one step beyond thinking about the foods.  My crafty kids created this masterpiece.

 

After I oohed and ahhed over it, I realized that they really need more variety in their diet.  True–they only listed the food they want me to cook and not the other healthy choices I often provide. Still…I want them to at least try new things.

So I was happy to join in with my friends Kristin from Mommy in Sports, Lauren from Oh Honestly!, and Echo from The Domain of the Mad Mommy in the #OneNewFood series.  Each month, we will share our successes and failures as we try introduce our children to a wider variety of healthier food options.

I started slowly by introducing a new fruit.  I chose star fruit because the cool shape is fun for children.  They love it.  Then again, they rarely meet a fruit that they don’t like so I felt like I cheated on the #OneNewFood.

A few days later, as I was munching on my current healthy favorite snack, okra chips,  I noticed the kids eyeing my crunchy okra.  I’d offered some to them before and got an ewww YUCK for my trouble so I didn’t offer again.  I left the kitchen table to help my son with something and returned to my daughter eating the rest of my okra!  She was chowing down.  I was so happy she liked it that I told the selfish little voice in my head to shut up and share.

 

 

My son saw her eating it and tasted it.  Now I have two fans!  (I still need to get the husband on board.  It is so delicious!) I  bought more and once again they chowed down.  Score!

This month’s new food was a great success.

Are you trying to get your children to eat a wide variety of foods?  Why don’t you join us and share your attempt on instagram, facebook, or twitter with the hashtag #OneNewFood?

To show our appreciation to our great readers, we are giving away a free three month subscription to eMeals.  You choose the type of menu (paleo, low carb, classic meals, kid friendly, clean eating, among many other choices) and they send you a menu, recipes, and a detailed shopping list.  It takes the pain out of the planning!

The only mandatory entry is to tag a photo showing your family’s attempt with a healthy #OneNewFood.  The giveaway runs for two weeks.

Good Luck!

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