Something to Chew On

Deceptively Delicious by celebrity wife and mother Jessica Seinfeld and The Sneaky Chef by Missy Chase Lapine are two cookbooks published in 2007 that promote the same basic strategy to boosting children's (and picky adults') consumption of nutritious food. 

The authors encourage the addition of vegetable purees into everything from mac and cheese (with cauliflower puree) to chicken nuggets (with spinach or broccoli puree in the coating) to chocolate pudding (with mashed avocado).  While the concept is certainly not revolutionary, the similarity in the women's books actually fueled a lawsuit over allegations of plagiarism earlier this year. 

I've met a number of parents familiar with the cookbooks who are a little put-off by the idea that deception needs to be the primary pathway to healthier eating.  While I have a feeling that Mrs.Seinfield's story about putting a box of instant mac and cheese out on the counter in hopes of convincing her kids that her healthier homemade version actually came out of the box is probably a bit a poetic license to prove a point, I have to say that resorting to such tactics seems a bit ridiculous. 

Kids can learn to enjoy vegetables in more recognizable forms. It does require consistent action on the part of the parent.  Remember the "Rule of 15" - before age 2, a child may need to see, touch, and/or taste a new food up to 15 times before they accept it as part of their regular diet.  Persistence in repeatedly offering a new food without coercing or forcing the child to taste it will pay-off.  Foods that a child learns to eat and enjoy between the 1-2 years of age are often enjoyed for a lifetime.  While hiding a veggie puree in a dish that disguises its taste can help boost nutrient intake in the short-term, it won't likely count towards the 15 exposures that can lead to a lifetime of veggie love. 

Deception aside, both cookbooks do offer some appealing recipes using fresh wholesome ingredients  Adding veggie purees in a great way to improve the taste, texture and nutritional value of many dishes. (I've personally always been a fan of creamy soups thickened with veggie purees and chocolate cakes made with beets. Winter vegetables are particularly puree worthy.)  One mother I know of said that her children really enjoyed being involved the process of preparing purees and in making the recipes that include them. No deception needed!