Help...picky husband about vegetables

[kparquet]

We've had many an argument in the past few days because he doesn't like vegetables. The only ones that he likes are basically greens, broccoli and mushrooms. He'll eat green beans and broccoli only if they're boiled down to the point where they're mushy and have lost all nutritional value.

Advice? I'm getting frustrated here and don't know what to do, his family has many a diabetic in it, and although I appreciate that he's doing this with me, its getting very difficult.

Thank you in advance...

[Lisa]

That's the same issue I've had with my DD's over time. But you're lucky, at least he has his favorites and is willing to eat them (there's a lot of people, especially those who begin Atkins, that don't like veggies). Sometimes you just have to let them eat the veggies they are willing to eat and just keep making the ones you like...do something different with them as often as you can. I hope you have the same problem (success) as I have had with my DD's---DD12 eats more veggies like pumpkin and zucchini since I've been eating it and she's a recovering green-beans-only kid, too (lol).

Have you seen this site: Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Home

There's many ways to eat all veggies.

[kparquet]

Thank you for the link! I'll be using a few of those, if not quite a lot!

Its not that he doesn't have those 4 veggies that he likes...but perhaps I'm misunderstanding. Aren't you supposed to have at least 1-2 cups of salad veggies a day? Most of what he will eat aside from broccoli and mushrooms I wouldn't call salad veggies (aka kale/greens).

Getting him to eat veggies in the first place is a pain, getting him to eat MORE veggies is like pulling teeth. I know I can't change him, he has to do it himself...but I just wanted to know if anyone had any advice or suggestions.

Thank you!

p.s. What are DD's? And DH's? I don't recognize that slang.

[Lisa]

Your welcome. That's a great site for a lot of different ideas. Green bean cassarole, green beans and bacon (good ol' southern style), and many more he'll probably like, too.

Yes, you're right. We need to have 2 cups of salad veggies and 1 cup other veggie, or 3 cups of salad veggies. And you're also right, you can't force him to eat his veggies, but you can set a good example by eating the ones that are on the list.

And from here on out, avoid the arguments (and lessen your stress ) and just let him eat the veggies he's eating. If he's willing to eat the veggies instead of the refined carbs, he's already on his way to a healthier life style. Is he following Atkins by the book, no. But is he changing his eating habits by eating the veggies, yes.

You're doing great by supporting him with trying new things

[Elsie150]

I say leave him be and let him eat those veggies that he likes. He is a grown man and the more you push the more likely he is to dig in his heels and then even if he was going to try it he won't just because.

You don't actually have to have 2 cups salad...you have to have 2 cups salad veggies.

Ask him if you can make a deal with him. If he is willing to try one small (like a teaspoon) bite of each the other veggie recipe you make every time you will not nag him at all and will continue to also cook the ones he likes the way he likes them. Sooner or later he may like something. Stick to your end of the deal.

My DH (dear hubby) didn't start liking ceasar salad until he was in his 20's and peppers in his 40's. Good luck!

[sugarsack]

what about raw broccoli with ranch dressing ?? maybe steam brocoli with cheese sauce (sprinkle shredded cheddar on the brocolli while still steaming, to melt )

[Brook]

That's right. He's a grown man. If he doesn't like what's being cooked for him, he can cook what he wants for himself, right?

Maybe I'm just more ornery than the lot of you.

When one of my kids or my husband pulls that crap, I drop what I'm doing, walk to the entry of the kitchen and look up then say loudly, "Wow. I'm not seeing the sign that says, "Mom's Diner" anywhere out here. Did I miss something? Don't like what's being cooked, COOK FOR YOURSELF AND QUIT YER "

After about the 3rd time, they figure it out and , and if they don't like what I"m making, they roll up their sleeves and come help cook. It works for everyone.

[kparquet]

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice.

Brook - I'm must be as ornery as you are as I would usually say the same thing, and more then likely a bit on the Type A side of things as well. But I wouldn't trust him in that kitchen even if it were made of fire retardant teflon. The man can't boil water to save his life. I tried to teach him to cook one time...my goodness...the carnage. And that was just mac-n-cheese. In the box.

I 'talked' (not argued) with him tonight and made him a deal. If he would at least TRY some of the vegetable dishes then I wouldn't fuss at him anymore, and I'm not usually a nagger, in fact I go out of my way not to be.

But in this...its so important to me (and I know to him as well, he's just coming around slower) that we're happy and healthy. Unfortunately he equates happiness with food - I equate happiness with celebrating our 50th anniversary together, healthy and not being diabetic or dead. =D

We still have about 45 years to go for that one...

So thank you again...I almost want to cry (you do have me in tears!) for the support that you've all given so far!

[Elsie150]

Great news. Especially because you are getting your way with him trying new veggies and he THINKS he is getting his way. ;^)

Glad it worked! Now for some great recipes from Linda's site or our own recipe forum here.

[Brook]

Originally Posted by kparquet

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice.

Brook - I'm must be as ornery as you are as I would usually say the same thing, and more then likely a bit on the Type A side of things as well. But I wouldn't trust him in that kitchen even if it were made of fire retardant teflon. The man can't boil water to save his life. I tried to teach him to cook one time...my goodness...the carnage. And that was just mac-n-cheese. In the box.

Umm, are we married to the same man??

I'm really glad you guys were able to talk it through and come to an agreement! That's great!

for ornery people everywhere!