The Art of Hiding Vegetables - Author Interview

What gave you the idea for this book?
Karen Bali The title came first – it literally ‘fell into my head’ one day whilst cooking – I think it was spaghetti bolognaise. I was trying, as usual, to make the family meal a little healthier. I just thought it would be a good title for a book and ideas for techniques and recipes gradually followed. I started jotting them down and it sort of grew.

Do you think five portions of fresh fruit or vegetables a day is a realistic target for most parents to aim at?
Karen Bali Personally I think it is ideal but not always possible, particularly if you don’t have time for home cooking or if you are on a budget. Increasing by one or two portions a day is a good start.
Sally Child Any increase is a start, but even five a day is less than optimal. Nutritionists are thinking more about 8 a day, but for the people reading this book and beginning to make a few manageable, sneaky changes, two or three portions daily is brilliant and a place to work from over time.

Is there any evidence that children who eat healthily grow up into adults who eat healthily?
Sally Child No long term studies are available but clinical observation suggests that eating patterns are set in infancy and although these can be changed it is much easier to set the example from the start. Children who have been introduced to fruit and vegetables early rarely consider it to be anything but normal. At the other end of the scale are those who had evangelical parents and may rebel.. A middle path is always best.

What is your favourite technique for hiding vegetables?
Karen Bali Savory rice with finely chopped spring onions, lots of fresh chopped herbs and a good cupful of petit pois. Banana and apricot cake is one of the best for hiding fruit.
Sally Child Soup and pizza.

Do your own children eat ‘5 a day’?
Karen Bali Do they hell. Actually, most days I guess they have around three to four, sometimes only two if I am busy – it is hard work to maintain five a day.
Sally Child Two of my girls do and one does not (so it’s not always down to upbringing). The one who does not eat them gets the few veg she will touch a few times a week, a variety of casseroles including them, salad and I give fruit juices as she will not eat fresh fruit. I learnt not to push it years ago, but never give up trying even after 18 years.

Do these methods work on adults – can you trick yourself or your partner into heating more healthily?
Karen Bali I don’t think most adults need to be tricked – they usually like fruit and veg (although if anyone comes up with a way to hide a vegetable in a plate of egg and chips, my husband’s favourite meal, please let me know). It is more of a conscious decision as you can reason with yourself that some things are healthier, whilst children are more guided by taste and not really interested in the long-term health benefits.
Sally Child Men are the worst offenders according to my female clients. Women can have as much trouble changing their mother-in-laws’ values and overcooked vegetables as they have with their children’s diet. Men are creatures of habit and have to come round to the idea themselves; a slow process (applies to more than food I feel).