Partial to Peas!

We know how challenging it can be to get your kids to eat their greens. As a parent, I am sure you are happy when they just eat anything green, but not all greens are created equal. We have created this comparison chart showing how different green veggies stack up against each other.

Our chart is based on consuming 1/2 cup of each vegetable in raw form. Clearly, green peas are the BIG WINNER followed by asparagus and kale.

Cooking vegetables doesn't always have a negative impact on their nutrition. There are some vegetables, that when cooked, may gain more than they loose.

Asparagus is a good example of this. When cooked (particularly boiled or steamed) asparagus supplies more antioxidants than in its raw form. Cooking does break down and destroy Vitamin C, but Vitamin C can be easily supplemented from fruit or daily vitamins, so it's worth it!

Look for our next blog post on which veggies are best to eat raw or cooked!

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/raw-veggies-are-healthier/

Peas Pointers by Melanie Silverman

We have teamed up with a pediatric registered dietitian who thinks we are doing a great job getting veggies into your kids! Melanie R. Silverman MS, RD, IBCLC, is not only a pediatric registered dietitian and board certified lactation consultant, she is also the owner of Feeding Philosophies (www.feedingphilosophies.com) and has loads of tips and tricks to help your kids eat the way they should, from infancy through their adolescent years. 

Melanie counsels families with a wide range of nutritional concerns including food allergies, poor weight gain, and weight management.  She treats loads of those picky eaters between the ages of 15 months to 6 years old who have diets that largely consist of chicken nuggets (shaped as prehistoric animals), macaroni and cheese, and no veggies!

With her tried and true picky eater program, Melanie gets kids to eat a well balanced diet while easing the minds of thousands of worried parents she has counseled.

We want to bring some of Melanie's expertise to the Peas family so we have asked her to offer a monthly tip (or Peas Pointer as we call them) to our blog. Thanks so much Melanie!!! We look forward to your first Pointer next month!