I’ve been doing some research on toddlers and eating for this web site. While my toddlers are doing all right in regards to eating (knock wood – they’re doing good today but as with all children it could change tomorrow) I wanted to have some ideas in my back pocket as to how to get them to eat healthier and in case they start using meal time as a way to exert their independence and control.

I found a great web site called The Sneaky Chef. It’s run by Missy Chase Lapine (the sneaky chef herself) and gives some ideas as to how you can get fruits and vegetables into your children’s meals without their knowledge. There are a few recipes on her web site, but she has also published a book called The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids Favorite Meals. There are a bunch of recipes as well as some make-ahead sauces (for lack of a better word) you can add to meals you make for your children (like macaroni and cheese) to make them healthy and full of some good nutrients. On her web site there’s also a hint as to how you can make brownies healthier for your children. Who doesn’t love brownies?