How I got my kids to drink their veggies

The short answer, bribery. The long answer, bribery.

Struggling to make sure my kids were eating their vegetable serving each day, coupled with Dick Gregory's book, "Natural Diet for Folks who like to Eat. Cookin' with Mother Nature," I decided to make them drink them instead.

Everyone's first reaction is the same, how do you get your kids to drink green juice? Initially, bribery. I told my kids I'd give them $100 each to spend in Target if they could make it 100 days without complaint. $100 in Target to a kid is like hitting the lotto as an adult. They gave me no pushback and excitedly counted the days. And I know what you're thinking? 100 days! Really?!? Some called it cruel and unusual punishment. But as a bonus, if they can guess what's in the juice, I add an extra day to the counter.

You think I'm crazy, right? Adding yet another task to my morning, another tally chart to my fridge, and another $200 gone to Target. But there's a science behind my approach.

First, I knew the incentive would prevent the whines, grunts, and tears each morning, which was more about my sanity. Secondly, if they made it 100 days, the habit would stick; their palate would adjust and accept the taste. Lastly, guessing the vegetables and fruits in their juice would make them more apt to eat vegetables in general.

I'm happy to report by day 20; they willingly drank their juice each morning. They'd remind me if I hadn't made it, and they even started to eat more vegetables at mealtime without me asking.

Here are just a few of the benefits of juicing:

1. Higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals

2. Helps lower the risk of heart disease

3. Reduces markers of inflammation

4. Boosts the immune system

5. Helps remove toxins from the body

6. Improves digestion

A few tips to know before you start juicing:

1. You can use a juicer or a blender and juice bag (ellie's best nut bag)

2. You can juice anytime, but it's most beneficial on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

3. Our digestive systems CANNOT process fruits and vegetables together in a smoothie or meal for the fact, but they CAN when juiced.

4. Add your green vegetable leaves like spinach, kale, collards. For kids or picky adults, add fruit for sweetness, like an apple. Lastly, add a small amount of acid to cut your juice's bitterness and sweetness with lemon, lime, or orange.

5. Drink your juice immediately, or place it in a glass jar with an airtight lid, like a mason jar, to prevent oxidation. If you plan to drink it within a few hours, you can leave it at room temperature. Otherwise, refrigerate and consume within 48 hours.
   

Now you're ready to start juicing. Head to your local grocer or farmers market for the finest organic produce you can find. Try fruits and veggies you would usually buy. Play around with different juice recipes you find online or start making them up. Your produce won't sit and spoil in your fridge when you can juice it, trust me.

The entire family is eating more vegetables than ever. 50% of my shopping cart is fresh produce now, and it's such a wonderful feeling knowing my kids are getting the vitamins and fruits they need from whole foods.

I thought I'd share my family's favorite juice recipe, which we named the Sunrise Surprise:

Ingredients:

1 cup of pineapple

1 cup of papaya

1 apple

1 peach

1 pear

1 cup of spinach

1 cup of cucumbers

Juice and enjoy.