Kids eating cultured veggies?

With Gut Health being at the centre of our food journeys, the inclusion of cultured veggies with our meals on a  daily basis, is of extreme importance.  Why?

• Fermentation increases the nutrient content of vegetables thus giving you more bang for your buck
• They help to digest proteins of other foods we eat them with
• Helping to repair a gut damaged by processed foods
• For Controlling candida
• Benefits of reducing allergies and inflammation
• To boost immunity
• They provide beneficial bacteria for good digestive health (nature’s probiotic)
• They provide enzymes needed to digest and absorb nutrients
• To curb sugar cravings

In addition to this fermented veggies have many other bonuses:

• They are convenient
• They make a great addition to any salad
• They make a great condiment to complete and compliment almost any meal.
• They add colour to your plate
• They taste delicious!
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How do we get our children to eat Cultured Veggies?  This can be a challenging process if you are introducing them to older children or children with an aversion to salty foods.  Starting gently and persevering is the key

• Start young. Introduce these foods to your baby.
• Make them a part of your daily table setting.  Much like salt and pepper or sauce etc.
• Role model.  You are one of their greatest influences.  If they see you eating them they are more inclined to want to try.
• Always encourage the principal of ‘tasting’ foods not just once but numerous times (Lacto-fermented veggies are an acquired taste)
• Explain to your children why they are good for them.  Don’t under-estimate their understanding and comprehension of this.
• Start with popular kid friendly cultured foods (such as sauerkraut with apple and dilly carrot sticks).
• Involve them in the process of making them at home.
• Encourage them to serve there own.
• Offer choices of different ferments – with varied colour, texture and flavour.