Keeping our families in good health is of the highest importance. As doctors and nutritionists know, the best preventive health care is a healthy diet. It’s never too early to develop good eating habits!
Pure, authentic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the Mary Poppins of foods—practically perfect in every way. It can cut your risk of inflammation and chronic diseases, and at the same time, it boosts the flavor and nutritional value of almost any dish.
You may have seen special “olive oil for kids” advertised recently, marketed in cute, brightly patterned containers. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can definitely play a big part in your kids’ diets—introducing young palates to a wide variety of healthy foods is key. But it’s not necessary to pay extra for “kid-oriented” packaging, especially as you may not be guaranteed that what’s inside is pure, authentic EVOO.
Here are some appealing ways to share the benefits of EVOO with your kids:
1. Toddlers love to play with their food. Why not get them dipping? Bite-size veggie pieces (broccoli florets are great for holding the oil), pita wedges, or veggie chips are the perfect way to introduce young palates to EVOO. Older kids will enjoy this, too, using toothpicks or fondue forks.
2. Have a family olive oil tasting. Encourage your kids to have fun using tasting descriptors—grassy, buttery, fruity. When everyone has chosen a favorite oil, label each bottle with that family member’s name (sharing is OK, too!).
3. Whip up a batch of homemade olive oil mayonnaise (or “Paleonnaise”). Enjoy it on sandwiches, deviled eggs, and salads!
4. Kids are more excited to eat things they’ve helped make themselves. So get your youngsters active in the kitchen. Moist baked goods like carrot cake, quick bread, and muffins are natural matches for mild, fruity olive oil.
Love,
Leanne
PS–My friends at the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil club have put together an offer for us on their amazing olive oil!