Canned and frozen are often just as good

In the winter months, its hard to eat fresh and local. These days there is such a push for "fresh",  "organic", and "sustainable" that we can tend to forget about the benefits of canned and frozen. Check out this article about alternatives to fresh by past president of the Minnesota Dietetics Association, Michele Gorman RD.  Also, check out my recipe for beet and canned corn salad.

Picky toddlers sometimes do strange things. My friend's daughter liked to snack on frozen mixed vegetables. My daughter loved eating frozen blueberries and frozen peas at around 18 months. These days she likes blueberries with yogurt. Blueberries are a great source of anti-oxidants and lots of other good stuff. (Remember that color in fruits and veggies is more than just pretty. There are tons of nutrients represented by the colors– red peppers, blue berries, deep green kale, broccoli, pink beets, and orange carrots...)

Colors are an opportunity to talk to and expose kids to different foods in a positive way. While you eat carrots, you might casually mention other foods that are orange. "Tim, what else is orange like this carrot?"  (Oranges, tangerines, sweet potatoes, acorn squash..)  Berries make vanilla yogurt turn colors, pink beets make your tongue pink etc...

Throw peas in with mac and cheese, use frozen berries with yogurt, ice-milk or ice-cream for a treat.

The point is, adding frozen and canned opens doors to variety which is the key to enjoyment of food and good nutrition. Children may prefer the frozen crunch, or the cool temperature as well. The more options the better!