I love holiday buffet goodies as much as the next person. I love the fudge and the cookies and the soft cheeses you spread on fancy party crackers with those tiny knives.
But I also gravitate to the veggie trays. When vegetables are already washed and chopped and served on a plate alongside a delicious dip, it feels like a treat.
I was dunking my twenty-third broccoli floret into seasoned sour cream over the holidays when it occurred to me that I could easily replicate this treat at home. Couldn’t any old day be special enough for a veggie tray?
So on Sunday, I made one. While I was photographing it, my third grader walked by and snagged two carrot sticks. When I set it out on the table that night, he finished all the snap peas. Last night he crunched through all the red peppers while I demolished the broccoli. In just two days, we’re both eating more veggies–just because they’re there.
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I keep the veggie tray covered in the fridge. I also have extra washed and chopped vegetables on reserve so I can refill it mid-week. I can bring out the veggie tray at meals, for snack time, or when my kids are hungry before dinner and I don’t want them filling up too much (or when I’m cooking dinner and need something to nibble).
It’s super simple, but it works. And maybe it will work for you too. So here’s to making healthy choices easy (and a little bit special-feeling) in the new year!
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This was just the push I needed to get myself some “snacking vegetables” in the fridge. I don’t really have the fridge real estate for a whole tray, but I found some single-serving hummus cups at Costco that inspired me to stock up on baby carrots, mini bell peppers and snap peas for snacks! I’m trying to really improve my eating habits this month after a month and a half of indulgence, and this is a great way to do so. Yesterday I was actually excited to eat my veggies!
Elise–I am so happy to hear that! 🙂
Hi! I love this idea! How did you make the dip? I cannot wait to do this!
Christine–the dip in the photo was just ranch dip. 🙂 That’s what my son likes so that’s what we have around.
I love this post! When my kids were younger and STARVING as I hustled around to prepare dinner, a small veggie tray was typically what I gave them to munch on until dinner was ready. Thanks for the nice reminder Sally!
Thanks Kit!
I love this idea! This year during our holiday party I set out yummy fruit & veggie platters along with mixed nuts, rather than the usual not so healthy appetizers. I didn’t like the idea of feeling like I have to set out junk, just because it’s a party or special occasion. What you describe in your blogs is so true, everyone was eating veggies & fruits! Especially the kids! Had I set out other “goodies” I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have been so popular. Later we enjoyed our meal & yes after that we did indulge in desserts! However , I feel good that we didn’t completely fill up on junk & enjoyed a healthy balance
By the way I love your blog!
I recently started putting a bowl of cut veggies and fruits on the table at lunch, instead of putting them directly on the kids plates. Seems like they eat more if helping themselves from a communal bowl than if I dictate what is “theirs”. And as a win-win, i usually end up eating the leftovers once they’re done!!
That’s interesting that they eat more when out of a communal bowl!
I’ve started this one too – either just veggies or a few piles of crackers and cheese and turkey pepperoni along with a lot of veggies and hummus. My son, in particular, is a grazer, so I know, even if he doesn’t want dinner, he’s had a few food groups