Vegetables are a mystery in more ways than one. To a little child, the word “healthy” is a turn-off. Then, suddenly you find yourself raising or married to a grown-up version that feels the same way. We know human bodies, large and small, need nutrients that come only from veggies. So what can you do to keep the gag reflex at bay and noses from turning so far upward that they can detect and refuse the natural nutrition from the earth? To all caregivers and cooks, we have three daily chances to be sneaky and hide vegetables within our meals. In keeping with that magic number, here are three options for each…breakfast, lunch and dinner…to get the job done and serve undetectable, hidden, healthy gems in your meals!

BREAKFAST

Broccoli Banana Bread

Crawling out of bed on a school or work morning is always hard. Soon there will be a nip in the air to make matters worse. More than likely, the dread will turn to joy when the smell of warm banana bread emerges from the oven. Only this time it will have a boost with broccoli to add a punch of power to the day!

Whole Wheat Carrot Cake Pancakes

This might be a keeper for weekends when you have more time to savor every spicy, syrup dripping bite. These pancakes will hide the healthy carrots well among the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice as they snuggle deep below the warmth of buttery maple syrup and chopped walnuts. You could even add some whipped cream and a cherry on top as an extra distraction for the ultimate win!

Spinach Muffins

Kids won’t mind this bright and beautiful green when it comes in the form of a muffin…AKA cupcake. Little will they know they are getting a healthy dose of inconspicuous spinach tucked inside their breakfast to go. Better yet, they won’t suspect a thing as this leafy, power packed nutrition won’t have a flavor when it’s mixed with other delicious ingrediants.

LUNCH

Veggie Macaroni and Cheese

When mid day hunger strikes, there will be stampedes of little and big feet when they catch a glimpse of the cheesiest…or so they think…mac and cheese. There’s no lying here, there will be cheese, but there will also be cauliflower, carrots and butternut squash pureed together with cream and cheddar cheese to create the masterpiece of this healthy sauce!

Veggie Nuggets

Here you have your chicken imposter loaded with broccoli and carrots. They are the perfect lunch or snack that will be called for repeat performances on your table or for movie nights. Pick up a deal on some organic ketchup at Walmart for a classic nugget dip you can also feel great about!

Tacos With a Healthy Twist

Oh, the crunch, the cheese…and the mushrooms and zucchini! Not exactly what some might expect inside the king of Mexican fast food. But hey, what they don’t know won’t hurt them and in this case it will be more about what they don’t know will help them.

DINNER

Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie

Who doesn’t love meat and potato dishes that result in the ultimate comfort food? Take Shepherd’s pie to a new level of taste and nutrition with some hidden goodies like ground turkey, brussels sprouts, pumpkin mashed potatoes, bacon and topped with a touch of cranberry sauce. This cheesy, vegetable sensation is ideal for an ordinary day or an incredible intro to fall!

Pumpkin Chili

Not to get too hung up on pumpkin, but it is almost the season and also a neutral taste that won’t be detected while providing a bundle of hidden health. Add the traditional beans or opt for black beans to give an appropriate color twist to get kids’ minds on Halloween and off of the suspicion of veggies.

Veggie Brownies

All dinners need dessert! While your kids eyes get wide at the sight of succulent chocolate brownies, you will smile discreetly knowing their tummies will soon be filled with beets and zucchini from their sweet treat. Be sure to puree the secret ingredients if you want them totally undetected. You can also use applesauce instead of the oil!