The promising news is we can change the future if we start today.  

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and we all play a big role in helping kids establish healthy eating habits for life. One of the biggest opportunities we have is to increase fresh produce consumption.  Fresh fruit and veggies deliver a wealth of vitamins and minerals, especially greens.  

The bottom line? Studies show that it takes 8-10 times of trying an item before a true opinion can be made.  If they won't eat it one way, try, try, try 8-9 more times!

We've committed much of our energy over the last 5 years to family education, from workshops to cooking classes to visits to our schools and we've compiled this list:

TOP 10 WAYS TO GET MORE PRODUCE ON THEIR PLATES.

1) Starting with raw.  They usually like the crunch.

2) Give them a sauce to dip it in, like hummus or yogurt.

3) Put them on a stick

4) Add them to smoothies and juices

5) Blend them into a sauce

6) Use them in baked goods

7) Let them help you wash and prep the veggies; studies show if they have a hand in it, they're 80% more likely to try

8) Let them help you pick out their favorites at the store or farmer's market

9) Order a produce box delivery to encourage variety and new seasonal items

9) Reward them for trying with a calendar like 'Today I Ate A Rainbow' 

Even my winning gluten-free chocolate cake on Recipe Rehab has veggies in it, sweetened without sugar, using beets instead of oil. 

Fresh fruit and veggies can easily be blended into sauces, dips, smoothies, bakes and even dessert with a little creativity. You can get the recipe for my winning gluten-free cake and many more produce-forward dishes at www.eatcleaner.com.

From smarter products to creative recipes and approaches, we can all make a difference.  As a mom of two school-aged children myself, my BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) is that together we can make huge strides to end childhood obesity.

Chef Mareya Ibrahim

Founder, Grow Green Industries, INC.

Join me and Lisa Druxman, founder of Fit 4 Mom LIVE on Monday September 22, at 11:00 a.m. pst for a LIVE #Mommyreset WEBINAR. We'll answer your questions about food, fitness and focus PLUS a $500 prize package giveaway. Just sign up for the Reset.  Your webinar link will be emailed to you by Monday morning!