My family loves vegetables, said no one ever. What they do love are chips and ice cream. I work really hard to incorporate more vegetables into my kids’ and husband’s diets — sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I fail. However, after many years of trial and error, I have figured out a few simple tricks that always tend to work. And, I wanted to share them with you because more veggies = greater overall health. So, regardless of whether you want to eat more vegetables or you want your family to eat more vegetables, these top five tricks are sure to work.

Trick #1: Place pre-cut vegetables at eye level in your fridge.

I try to keep two glass containers full of pre-cut vegetables at eye level in my fridge at all times. I even place it next to several dip options, such as hummus, cashew queso and guacamole. At the end of the week, the vegetables are always gone! To save time, I often buy my vegetables ready to eat, like sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes and pre-chopped carrots, broccoli, and celery. 

Trick #2: Make vegetables the only option sometimes.

When I take my kids to the park or on a stroller walk, I only pack pre-cut vegetables and fruit. So when my kids want a snack, I offer them carrots, apple slices or celery sticks. If they had the option between carrots or cheddar bunnies, I know they would pick the cheddar bunnies. I mean, who wouldn’t? So, I started offering only one option. And, guess what? They eat them. Happily, too, because it’s the only option.  

Trick #3: Don’t overcrowd the kitchen with junk food.

I have junk food in my house. I have crackers and chocolate. But, I also have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. I find it really easy for the kids (and adults) to fill up on nutrient-void junk food, like crackers and granola bars. The problem with these foods is that they are often high in sugar and low in nutrients. Not a great combination for growing kids and brains. Another problem with these foods is they can easily become the only thing kids eat. For instance, my daughter would live on chips, pizza and chocolate chips if given the chance. So, I let her have these foods on occasion — mostly because I think overly restricting food ends up backfiring in the long run — but I make sure it isn’t the only thing she eats. I overcrowd my kitchen with fresh fruits and vegetables opposed to processed foods. 

Trick #4: Provide produce at every meal.

Do my kids always eat the vegetables I give them with their lunch and dinner? Of course not. But, at least they have the opportunity. There is a zero percent chance my kids will eat vegetables if they aren’t even offered. Plus, we eat what is familiar to us. So, even if they don’t eat them, they are at least familiar with a wide variety of different fruits and vegetables. Also, every now and then, they will surprise me and eat every vegetable offered to them. Sometimes they even ask for seconds!

Trick #5: Focus on flavor.  

If you don’t want to eat it, your kids and partner likely won’t want to either. Play around with texture, flavor and cooking methods to find out your family’s favorite ways to eat vegetables. For instance, no one in my family will eat frozen broccoli cooked in the microwave with no seasoning. However, broccoli will be gone in a matter of minutes if I take fresh broccoli, lightly steam it and add butter, salt and pepper. So, try out some different ways to cook and prepare your veggies and I promise you will find ways that you and your family can enjoy them.