Sunday, October 28, 2007

They Are Eating More Veggies


Remember this nutrition program in kindergarten in which the kids are being introduced to healthy eating habits?

Well, they have only started for three weeks (they are only doing it once a week) and yet I am considering it a big success. MC and IC's been going home after that program with lists of veggies that they wanted me to buy; just because they had them on the buffet table during the program and found them delicious! Soon they would also be going out to shop for healthy food.

Among their favorite veggies now: carrots, lamb's lettuce, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli. I mean, the kids eat raw tomatoes, cucumber, raw red and yellow bell peppers and they both love almost all kind of fruits. But that this program would so successful for a short period of time is really amazing.

What were the activities during the program? The kids are allowed to cut the vegetables, to set the buffet table; they were told to wash their hands before and after helping during the preparation; and were reminded again and again to wash their hands before and after eating. I havent trusted MC at home with the 'right' knives but I was a bit surprised that they were allowed to handle them in that program. I guess now it's time to trust her with the 'right' knife.

And here's MC and IC's notes for Mama: 'Mama, we are not allowed to cough in front of food; or while preparing food. If we must cough, then we must go out and wash out hands again.' Plus, 'mama, we should not touch everything all at once. We need to use serving spoons or forks for every dish.'

Next week, it's my turn to bring my own recipe and the needed ingredients in kindergarten. The recipe should be done in max. 10-15 mins, could be eaten with the hands, suitable for snacks (merienda) or finger food for birthday parties; and most of all, loved by the kids. I dont know what recipe, nor I dont think I would have a recipe that fits those descriptions. Could someone help me, please!

The parents are invited for nights of Food and Drink Oasis in kindergarten next month, in which we would be asked to work together to create a nutritious meal time for the kids. Experiences would be exchanged in how to introduce the kids to love healthy food and how to work on kid's aversion to vegetables or fruits. I cant wait to share and to listen to other stories. I am sure it would be something to look forward to.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'd like to help with the recipe but nothing comes to mind just yet- does it have to have something to do with veggies and fruits?
I am always taken by surprise when my daughter begins to LIKE a certain vegetable. Right now, her favorites are mini-corn, snow peas and cucumbers. She made me buy cans of the mini-corn and she just had 5 spears for breakfast this morning--- hey, kung gusto, de ibigay...

raqgold said...

marysmom, yes. we need recipes with veggies and fruits. tama ka, when it comes to healthy food, let's give it to them :D

ScroochChronicles said...

Why not try Krispy Kangkong. It's easy to do and you can eat it with your fingers. If you can't find kangkong, I think watercress or spinach will do.

Christianne said...

Ang galing naman ng program na yan!

Diary of an Irish Woman said...

try ants on a log - celery sticks with peanut butter on it and raisins for the ants.. was a big hit when i was a teacher :)

raqgold said...

cookie, thanks for this tip. might do that another time. they wanted to avoid cooking this time. basta raw food talaga.

christianne, i am really impressed too.

sinead, thanks but you see, i am the only one who eats peanut butter in our family. peanut butter and jelly is not a common thing here in germany unlike in the USA. but hey, i'd like to try it with the kid first and will let you know the result.

geri, they have been eating raw veggies for breakfast in kindergarten. with this program, they get to introduce more veggies and fruits. and i am learning a lot of things with this program, too