Cooking pro and food blogger, Kathleen Ashmore, some months ago sparked a heated debate among parents. She devised an innovative tactic to get kids to eat their greens: lettuce chips.
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But while some are singing her praises, others are skeptical about whether this trick really works. Keep reading to see if Kathleen’s trick can help you get your kids to eat their greens too.
Kathleen’s Innovative Hack
Kathleen’s lettuce chips involve cutting romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and pairing them with her homemade red pepper salad dressing. In the video shared on Instagram and TikTok, the food blogger claimed that that hack makes eating salad fun for kids.
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So, Kathleen has successfully turned one of the most boring meals for her kids into an enjoyable snack time.
Praises and Backlashes From Viewers
Opinions on Kathleen’s lettuce chips are sharply divided. While some parents applaud her creativity and success in getting kids to eat veggies, others are skeptical.
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Some argue that labeling raw lettuce as “chips” is a stretch, while others question the nutritional value of romaine lettuce. What do you think about Kathleen’s hack?
The Truth about Romaine Lettuce
Contrary to some misconceptions, romaine lettuce is not devoid of nutrients. In fact, it’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
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So, while lettuce chips may sound unconventional, they can still contribute to a balanced diet. Kathleen’s trick to help her kids eat more vegetables isn’t a bad idea after all.
It’s All about Perspective
Despite the criticism, the recipe developer stands by her lettuce chips, emphasizing that it’s all about making veggies more appealing to kids. She likens it to other playful food names like chicken fingers and ice cream cake.
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Ultimately, if it gets kids to eat their greens, does it really matter whatever name it is called?
The Goal of the Lettuce Chips Hack
For Kathleen, the goal of her lettuce chips is simple: to help families eat healthier and feel better. While she acknowledges that her methods may not resonate with everyone, she’s comforted by the positive feedback she received from parents.
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Some of such parents have successfully used her recipes to improve their family’s diet.
More Creative Vegetable Hacks for Parents
While lettuce chips may be a hit or miss for some families, there are plenty of other ingenious ways to help your kids eat vegetables without too much drama.
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Here are a few more tricky hacks that other moms have adopted in the past. They might work for your kids too.
Add Them to Their Smoothies
Smoothies are a fantastic way to disguise vegetables while still providing a tasty treat that would satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth.
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All you have to do is blend a variety of vegetables, including spinach, cucumber or even carrots, into fruity smoothies for a nutritious boost that your kids won’t even notice. They would love it and even ask for more.
Make Veggie Pizzas
This is one of the most creative ways to introduce more vegetables into your kids meals. They love pizzas! Get creative with your pizza toppings by adding a variety of veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions.
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They will barely notice but guess what? They get to eat healthy at the end of the day and that is all that matters!
Veggie-Based Desserts
Have you ever considered incorporating vegetables into desserts like zucchini bread, carrot cake, or sweet potato brownies? If you haven’t, you should give it a try.
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It’s absolutely lovely, and your kids might just keep asking for them. These treats offer a sneaky way to add veggies to your child’s diet while still satisfying their sweet tooth.
Veggie Stir-Fries
Lastly, stir-fries are a quick and easy way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into a meal. Simply mix colorful veggies like broccoli, peas, carrots, and cabbage with protein and a flavorful sauce for a delicious and nutritious dinner option.
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The colorful sight is enough to whet their appetite and keep them eating more than expected.
Just Get Creative!
Getting your kids to eat their veggies can be a challenge; however, with these creative hacks, including Kathleen’s, parents can find fun and tasty ways to encourage their kids to eat more vegetables.
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Remember, it’s all about making healthy eating enjoyable and accessible for the whole family. So, get creative in the kitchen and watch as your little ones happily munch on their greens!
