Sneaky Veggies for Picky Eaters

Michelle Jobin September 6, 2018

For picky eaters (young and old), vegetables are sometimes a challenge. So sometimes, the best thing to ensure that everyone is getting the right nutrition is to be a little sneaky! And while I fully believe in putting visible veggies on plates at every possible meal to get little ones used to the sight, taste and texture in a positive and encouraging way - I have developed a few tricks and tips to covertly getting kids to eat their greens, beets, and even cauliflower!!! (Hint: Pizza definitely has something to do with that last one!)

I brought some of these ideas to CH Morning Live and of course, I brought PIZZA! (So I was officially everyone's best friend!) Check out the full segment HERE.

The cauliflower crust pizza from Pizza Pizza is definitely my secret weapon for pizza Fridays in our house! It's a really amazing alternative to the usual take out/delivery pizza, tastes fantastic (my son ate his regular two slices) and provides two servings of veggies in every medium sized crust! For me, it makes it even easier to enjoy pizza every week!

mmmmmmm.......Whether you're into sophisticated flavours like the Cauli Blanca here or just plain old pep and cheese, the Cauliflower Crust from Pizza Pizza is a great alternative that provides two servings of veggies in each medium crust!

mmmmmmm.......Whether you're into sophisticated flavours like the Cauli Blanca here or just plain old pep and cheese, the Cauliflower Crust from Pizza Pizza is a great alternative that provides two servings of veggies in each medium crust!

I write about the things I love...

Fitness. Health and Wellness. Travel. Food & Beverage. Fashion. Film. Music. All of the good things in life (to me, at least).

What moves me? The opportunity to move every day, and to express myself my way. Thanks so much to @sportchek for giving me this opportunity to preview the fabulous pieces in your Holiday Collection! 🎥 by @chrisnichollsphotography. Top and shoes by @niketoronto, tights by @adidasca #whatmovesme

As the temperature starts to drop (and you know it’s just going to get colder) I can’t help but think how nice it would be to be back soaking in my private hot springs room @grandviewresortbeitou. Beitou is in the northernmost part of Taipei where you can find plenty of options to experience the hot springs, but this place was the best. If I have to deal with winter of any kind, this is how I want to do it. Soaking in the thermal waters was incredibly relaxing and pretty much gave me the softest skin ever. This, and more details on the incredible city of Taipei in my article featured in Issue 3 of @escapismto (hopefully online as well soon!) Bikini by @freyalingerie. Photo by @visualbass

As the temperature starts to drop (and you know it’s just going to get colder) I can’t help but think how nice it would be to be back soaking in my private hot springs room @grandviewresortbeitou. Beitou is in the northernmost part of Taipei where you can find plenty of options to experience the hot springs, but this place was the best. If I have to deal with winter of any kind, this is how I want to do it. Soaking in the thermal waters was incredibly relaxing and pretty much gave me the softest skin ever. This, and more details on the incredible city of Taipei in my article featured in Issue 3 of @escapismto (hopefully online as well soon!) Bikini by @freyalingerie. Photo by @visualbass

Even when the weather is dreary, this little guy is super active - and has a seriously active imagination. Whether playtime is outdoors or indoors, he works up a serious appetite, so I make sure he has the right snacks he needs to keep him going (and for me too). I love that each @SimplyProteinCanada Kids Bar has 2g of sugar, 4g of protein, is a source of fibre and is peanut free, so more kiddos can enjoy them. And the chips make the perfect savoury snack for me, without any of the junk that I don’t need. #MySimply #WellnessBrandsPartner // photo by @visualbass

Even when the weather is dreary, this little guy is super active - and has a seriously active imagination. Whether playtime is outdoors or indoors, he works up a serious appetite, so I make sure he has the right snacks he needs to keep him going (and for me too). I love that each @SimplyProteinCanada Kids Bar has 2g of sugar, 4g of protein, is a source of fibre and is peanut free, so more kiddos can enjoy them. And the chips make the perfect savoury snack for me, without any of the junk that I don’t need. #MySimply #WellnessBrandsPartner // photo by @visualbass

We have been having so much fun at the Royal Culinary Academy this week @theroyalfair! It has been so wonderful to see families, friends, couples, student groups and more getting the chance to cook together along with the best chefs in the city (and let’s face it, the world). I am having the best time hosting! Huge congrats to @jasminebakerlife + @trevorlui for putting this amazing series together, to all the chefs for being amazing and a big thank you to all the sponsors that make it possible. There are still a few spots left this week, so make sure that you join us if you can! And thanks to the fabulous @ted_baker for this dress and so many other awesome pieces to wear while I’m here!) Photo by @visualbass #RoyalCulinaryAcademy #RAWF2018 #tedtotoe

We have been having so much fun at the Royal Culinary Academy this week @theroyalfair! It has been so wonderful to see families, friends, couples, student groups and more getting the chance to cook together along with the best chefs in the city (and let’s face it, the world). I am having the best time hosting! Huge congrats to @jasminebakerlife + @trevorlui for putting this amazing series together, to all the chefs for being amazing and a big thank you to all the sponsors that make it possible. There are still a few spots left this week, so make sure that you join us if you can! And thanks to the fabulous @ted_baker for this dress and so many other awesome pieces to wear while I’m here!) Photo by @visualbass #RoyalCulinaryAcademy #RAWF2018 #tedtotoe

Took this guy to get his very first library card over the weekend, and he could t have been more thrilled. Not only did he check out a big stack of books, but we got a glimpse at all the other amazing resources available for kids of all ages at Toronto Public Libraries. I have great memories of visiting the library and reading books with my parents when I was little, and I hope to keep creating the same kind of experiences with my son. That’s why I support the @tpl.foundation, and you can too by picking up some of their great #imlibrarypeople tees and other fun things at imlibrarypeople.ca/merch //photo by @visualbass

Took this guy to get his very first library card over the weekend, and he could t have been more thrilled. Not only did he check out a big stack of books, but we got a glimpse at all the other amazing resources available for kids of all ages at Toronto Public Libraries. I have great memories of visiting the library and reading books with my parents when I was little, and I hope to keep creating the same kind of experiences with my son. That’s why I support the @tpl.foundation, and you can too by picking up some of their great #imlibrarypeople tees and other fun things at imlibrarypeople.ca/merch //photo by @visualbass

When you feel confident about the way you look, you don't mind standing out in a crowd. I can't say that I have always felt this way, but I definitely do after the series of treatments I have experienced with the exceptional team @visageclinicdrdupere over the last few months. Reduced redness, sun damage and fine lines, and way more GLOW. Do I look younger? I don't know, because to be totally honest, my skin looks better than it did when I was younger, so it doesn't matter. Chalk this up to things I know now that I wish I knew then. Thanks so much to Dr. DuPéré and his wonderful, talented team for taking such good care of me, and this smiling face. For all the details about my experience, link is in my bio. // Photo by @visualbass #VisageClinic

When you feel confident about the way you look, you don't mind standing out in a crowd. I can't say that I have always felt this way, but I definitely do after the series of treatments I have experienced with the exceptional team @visageclinicdrdupere over the last few months. Reduced redness, sun damage and fine lines, and way more GLOW. Do I look younger? I don't know, because to be totally honest, my skin looks better than it did when I was younger, so it doesn't matter. Chalk this up to things I know now that I wish I knew then. Thanks so much to Dr. DuPéré and his wonderful, talented team for taking such good care of me, and this smiling face. For all the details about my experience, link is in my bio. // Photo by @visualbass #VisageClinic

Why am I smiling? Because I have had a little peek into THE FUTURE when it comes to workouts, and I like it!! And even better – it’s HERE. This is me experiencing my very first workout with @OnePeloton, and I loved it. The concept is amazing – an incredible bike that is sleek enough to have at home, with a subscription service that gives you access to 11 000 (and growing) workouts, including floor/strength sessions for added variety. This definitely speaks to me because I love the variety and energy of classes, but my schedule is fully ALL OVER THE PLACE, so sometimes making it to a class is tricky. And then there’s the fact that we’ve moved and there’s no more condo gym. So the idea of getting a great high energy workout at home, without having to have someone watch my son, and not having to trudge out through the cold at the crack of dawn to go to a class is just…..wow. If you’re into that idea too, then you can visit their Toronto pop-up on Bloor St. and give one of their bikes a spin! Thanks for showing me the future – and extra thanks for this special Peloton/Lululemon gear! // photo by @ryanemberley #ridepeloton #onepeloton

Why am I smiling? Because I have had a little peek into THE FUTURE when it comes to workouts, and I like it!! And even better – it’s HERE. This is me experiencing my very first workout with @OnePeloton, and I loved it. The concept is amazing – an incredible bike that is sleek enough to have at home, with a subscription service that gives you access to 11 000 (and growing) workouts, including floor/strength sessions for added variety. This definitely speaks to me because I love the variety and energy of classes, but my schedule is fully ALL OVER THE PLACE, so sometimes making it to a class is tricky. And then there’s the fact that we’ve moved and there’s no more condo gym. So the idea of getting a great high energy workout at home, without having to have someone watch my son, and not having to trudge out through the cold at the crack of dawn to go to a class is just…..wow. If you’re into that idea too, then you can visit their Toronto pop-up on Bloor St. and give one of their bikes a spin! Thanks for showing me the future – and extra thanks for this special Peloton/Lululemon gear! // photo by @ryanemberley #ridepeloton #onepeloton

It was such a great experience to be a part of the live Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon broadcast yesterday. Traveling around the course on a motorcycle with a great crew and interviewing members of the running community was a ton of fun. I got to see the race from a very unique vantage point and watch Runner’s from elite to recreational put on an incredible and humbling display of spirit, determination, strength and ability. I remain totally inspired by every single one of them. Huge congrats to all the runners, and to @astrodogmedia + @runcrs for pulling off an amazing event & live broadcast. Also so happy that I unexpectedly ran into @visualbass and he caught me in action. #stwm #stwm2018

It was such a great experience to be a part of the live Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon broadcast yesterday. Traveling around the course on a motorcycle with a great crew and interviewing members of the running community was a ton of fun. I got to see the race from a very unique vantage point and watch Runner’s from elite to recreational put on an incredible and humbling display of spirit, determination, strength and ability. I remain totally inspired by every single one of them. Huge congrats to all the runners, and to @astrodogmedia + @runcrs for pulling off an amazing event & live broadcast. Also so happy that I unexpectedly ran into @visualbass and he caught me in action. #stwm #stwm2018

Forever my pizza +1 ♥️🍕Green Pie for me, Pepperoni for the little man (and many more delicious things) at our pizza Friday out @ga_pizza // photo by @visualbass #getpersonal

Forever my pizza +1 ♥️🍕Green Pie for me, Pepperoni for the little man (and many more delicious things) at our pizza Friday out @ga_pizza // photo by @visualbass #getpersonal

Fall is the perfect season for road trips. It’s not too hot, the weather isn’t too challenging, and the scenery has already started to shift and change into something truly wonderful. We're planning to get out of the city a few more times before winter returns, which means more trips to the pump and snacks for the drive (because of course, my son loves to snack as much as I do). For that reason, it’s super convenient that @Shell has everything I need, including a new healthier range of snacks that we can grab and eat on the road - and I can feel good about. Now, no snack attack will get in the way of our adventures. Photo by @visualbass #shellpartner

Fall is the perfect season for road trips. It’s not too hot, the weather isn’t too challenging, and the scenery has already started to shift and change into something truly wonderful. We're planning to get out of the city a few more times before winter returns, which means more trips to the pump and snacks for the drive (because of course, my son loves to snack as much as I do). For that reason, it’s super convenient that @Shell has everything I need, including a new healthier range of snacks that we can grab and eat on the road - and I can feel good about. Now, no snack attack will get in the way of our adventures. Photo by @visualbass #shellpartner

Little light of mine 💡
photo by @visualbass #waterlight #waterlicht #waterlichttoronto

Little light of mine 💡 photo by @visualbass #waterlight #waterlicht #waterlichttoronto

I am really not usually a fan of selfies. But I’m about a month into my quest for better skin with @visageclinicdupere and I like what I see. For the last few summers, I spent more time protecting my son from sun exposure while out at the park every day, and didn’t focus on myself so much. It was starting to show. Last week I had a BBL Laser treatment, also known as the “forever young” laser. I mean, I don’t know if I look younger, but I am loving the result. With a few passes over the skin that are really almost painless, this little wonder treats all the things I wanted to work on: hyperpigmentation/sun damage, redness, acne - and it even promotes collagen production. There was minimal down time - a couple of days not working out (which was TOUGH for me) and avoiding spicy food, hot showers and red wine (also all tough for me). But, it was worth it because I am already loving how great my skin looks. I also love how knowledgeable and helpful Dr. DuPéré and everyone at Visage Clinic are - I feel very well cared for there. (Because I’m not going to trust my face to just anyone!) I promise not to bombard you with selfies, but I do think that confidence is a really good look.

I am really not usually a fan of selfies. But I’m about a month into my quest for better skin with @visageclinicdupere and I like what I see. For the last few summers, I spent more time protecting my son from sun exposure while out at the park every day, and didn’t focus on myself so much. It was starting to show. Last week I had a BBL Laser treatment, also known as the “forever young” laser. I mean, I don’t know if I look younger, but I am loving the result. With a few passes over the skin that are really almost painless, this little wonder treats all the things I wanted to work on: hyperpigmentation/sun damage, redness, acne - and it even promotes collagen production. There was minimal down time - a couple of days not working out (which was TOUGH for me) and avoiding spicy food, hot showers and red wine (also all tough for me). But, it was worth it because I am already loving how great my skin looks. I also love how knowledgeable and helpful Dr. DuPéré and everyone at Visage Clinic are - I feel very well cared for there. (Because I’m not going to trust my face to just anyone!) I promise not to bombard you with selfies, but I do think that confidence is a really good look.

I don’t love this photo. When it was taken, I was pregnant, and very very sick because something was very wrong and I can see that in my face. Four days later, the day after Mother’s Day, at my 12 week ultrasound, I found out not only that I had a miscarriage, but potentially had a condition that carried the risk (however small) of developing into cancer. (Which is why I had been so incredibly ill, unlike with my first pregnancy.)That was a one-two punch that we were not prepared for, to say the least. Fortunately, as time has gone on, it looks as if all has gone well and I am so grateful that my case wasn’t the worse case scenario. And even though on many levels I have healed enough to share my story (which you can find in the link in my bio) and moved forward, it still hurts at times - it will sort of sneak up on me and surprise me with a wave of emotion - especially as what was supposed to be my due date approaches. I also know there are so many women and families out there with stories far more....challenging than mine. It was this very community that helped me when I started to talk about what happened. It gave me strength, and that is the very reason I wrote about my experience. Because I hope that maybe someone might stumble upon my story and read it and feel less alone. I wanted to create open conversation where before there were only whispers. When @knixwear told me they were creating their Faces of Fertility campaign along with @inkbox to help further create conversation around this issue that affects so many and to support @resolveorg & @fertility_canada, I was very happy to hear that. Thank you to all of my friends that were there to talk to me and support me and my husband, and continue to do so. It means the world to us. Photo by my @visualbass visualbass #FacesofFertility #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness

I don’t love this photo. When it was taken, I was pregnant, and very very sick because something was very wrong and I can see that in my face. Four days later, the day after Mother’s Day, at my 12 week ultrasound, I found out not only that I had a miscarriage, but potentially had a condition that carried the risk (however small) of developing into cancer. (Which is why I had been so incredibly ill, unlike with my first pregnancy.)That was a one-two punch that we were not prepared for, to say the least. Fortunately, as time has gone on, it looks as if all has gone well and I am so grateful that my case wasn’t the worse case scenario. And even though on many levels I have healed enough to share my story (which you can find in the link in my bio) and moved forward, it still hurts at times - it will sort of sneak up on me and surprise me with a wave of emotion - especially as what was supposed to be my due date approaches. I also know there are so many women and families out there with stories far more....challenging than mine. It was this very community that helped me when I started to talk about what happened. It gave me strength, and that is the very reason I wrote about my experience. Because I hope that maybe someone might stumble upon my story and read it and feel less alone. I wanted to create open conversation where before there were only whispers. When @knixwear told me they were creating their Faces of Fertility campaign along with @inkbox to help further create conversation around this issue that affects so many and to support @resolveorg & @fertility_canada, I was very happy to hear that. Thank you to all of my friends that were there to talk to me and support me and my husband, and continue to do so. It means the world to us. Photo by my @visualbass visualbass #FacesofFertility #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness

If you promise me delicious food, I’ll look at you like this 😍 And that is exactly the look I had on my face for the whole Royal Harvest Dinner last week. We enjoyed an incredible meal made by Chef @alidasolomon & got a sneak peek at the Royal Culinary Academy at the @theroyalfair this year. If you haven’t been to the Royal in a while - you need to check it out this year because there will be so much there to love for food lovers. And hint hint: I’ll be there too, so stay tuned for more details about that. // photo by @khzen #rawf18 #royalculinaryacademy #thelookoflove

If you promise me delicious food, I’ll look at you like this 😍 And that is exactly the look I had on my face for the whole Royal Harvest Dinner last week. We enjoyed an incredible meal made by Chef @alidasolomon & got a sneak peek at the Royal Culinary Academy at the @theroyalfair this year. If you haven’t been to the Royal in a while - you need to check it out this year because there will be so much there to love for food lovers. And hint hint: I’ll be there too, so stay tuned for more details about that. // photo by @khzen #rawf18 #royalculinaryacademy #thelookoflove

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m feeling extra thankful for the wonderful family and friends in my life (plus all the delicious food I am enjoying this weekend, of course). If you are looking for a dessert recipe for your feast today (or any day, really) then I suggest making these Cashew Cheesecakes by my incredibly talented friend @jasminebakerlife. Super delicious, super impressive and gluten/grain free & vegan, if that’s your thing. (Even if it’s not, you’ll love this super decadent treat.) Recipe is on her website (link is in my bio) // photo by @visualbass

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m feeling extra thankful for the wonderful family and friends in my life (plus all the delicious food I am enjoying this weekend, of course). If you are looking for a dessert recipe for your feast today (or any day, really) then I suggest making these Cashew Cheesecakes by my incredibly talented friend @jasminebakerlife. Super delicious, super impressive and gluten/grain free & vegan, if that’s your thing. (Even if it’s not, you’ll love this super decadent treat.) Recipe is on her website (link is in my bio) // photo by @visualbass