How to start kids on Raw

[caramba]

Apologies if this has been done before but...

Does anyone have any "sure fire" (??) hits for introducing Raw to kids beyond fresh fruit & sorbets?

I've been looking at books & the Web and feel a bit overwhelmed with recipe ideas. Lots look fantastic to me but I thought maybe I'd start with things that the kids will enjoy too.

Any links/experiences or suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks

[Rawkinlocs]

There's a book...I think the title is "Raw Kids: Transitioning Children to a Raw Food Diet" (check Amazon.com) I don't have this book, but I recall seeing it online before.

I know there are a lot of moms here to have raw or semi-raw children and they'll chime in; but for me, adding a lot of fruit into their daily diet was definitely key.

Children also tend to really go for fruit leather, smoothies, raw desserts such as raw pies. My daughters like carrot sticks (or baby carrots) and celery in dressing.

Some kids like the raw pizzas and/or crackers. It really depends...just make raw foods that you "think" they'll like and have them try them out. Don't even tell them it's "raw".

[Mishka]

I pretty much agree with Rawkinlocs...
But it also takes time for them to adjust. For mine it has anyway.
We started increasing fruit intake, smoothies, popsicles made from smoothies, and always have one meal of nuts and greens. My son who is 2 is crazy about nuts!!! Fruit and nuts right now. He will not eat lettuce yet. My 5 yr old eats everything. Today she told me," Mommy I am going to eat whatever you eat okay?!!" That pretty much sums it up for small children I think. If they see you eating it, they want it. That is one of the BEST reasons for me to go raw NOW. I know it will be more challenging to reach them later.
Oh..also since my daughter has hit the age of reason...we have gone on and on about the benefits of eating RAW. And boy does she repeat it, like..mommy my eyes are going to see so good or this lettuce is going to make me have strong legs for gymnastics! It is so cute. The uncute part was at christmas with the relatives...iyayi! Anyone that had meat on their plate..or other junk...she would tell them..."your not eating God's FOOD. Your going to get sick ya know. " We had to do alot of apologizing for hurt feelings...yet at the same time I hope there was some seeds planted by my little one. Out of the mouth of babes ...right? I am trying to teach her discretion...trying..lol:)

[Rawkinlocs]

LOL...Mishka your little one sounds TOO cute! All of them in fact. Awww...how precious!

But that Christmas story about the meat and the comments made by the little one...priceless!

It reminds me of when my youngest daughter and I went shopping with my mom. My mother was getting some lunch meat and my daughter told her, "You know we don't eat animals anymore"...my mom just kinda smiled and said, "I know baby". Kids...gotta love 'em!

[caramba]

I agree on the talking up healthy food. I find I just can't help myself now. When my son asks for a biscuit I can't stop saying "That's not healthyfood. It won't make you healthy & strong".

I was quite impressed that they both liked the hummus I made. I gave it to them on a cracker but they just licked of the hummus & left the cracker untouched.

Popsicles is another good idea. Am also going to try some jelly from fresh juices when I can find some agar. (Have gone of gelatine in a BIG way...!)

[Allison]

I have the book Raw Kids. It's good, but not a lot of recipes. I agree with starting them when they are small. My 1 1/2 year old loves salad and also cauliflower with Raw Cheddar Dip. I think it's only because she sees us eat it all the time.

We started raw with the children by meals. We switched them to a raw breakfast (fruit) first and did that for a long while. In fact, they can't even remember a time when we didn't have fruit for breakfast. Then we required raw vegetables with lunch and did that for a while. Then they gravitated towards a completely raw lunch. Now they are trying raw dinners, too. It's been a gradual change, but have not complained at all. In fact, they love it.

Allison

[twinyoga]

Good topic. Thanks for sharing. My 9 month old twins are eating a healthy SAD diet (is there such a thing?) along with their bottles. But I let them taste everything that I make that's raw. This morning they tested the smoothie I maked.

[caramba]

Funny about having just fruit for breakfast My kids LOVE fruit and it's all they want at bkfst but I was in knots trying to get them to eat other things (cereal, muesli, toast etc) thinking that "just fruit" wasn't enough...lol...we live & learn!