Since resolving to lose weight and cook 52 new recipes last year, I have made a concerted effort to eat more veggies. Apart from being healthier for me, I am theoretically setting a good example for my kids.

Of course setting a good example is much different than convincing my kids to eat their own veggies. But it turns out my example-setting also includes my exercise routine- particularly my races. Last fall Katie took the kids to my half-Ironman triathlon to catch the tail end of my bike leg and my run; earlier this year Katie took the kids to watch me run the Krispy Kreme Challenge. Noah, in particular, has taken to “racing” around the house.  (Racing around the house typically means endlessly running back and forth from one side of the house to the other.)

Now, when he sees me eating vegetables, I remind him that the veggies are what makes me faster while the junk food makes me slower. It doesn’t work every time, but at least part of the time he’ll finish his veggies too.  Occasionally Noah won’t even need a reminder- after finishing his share, he’ll point out his empty plate and boast that he’s getting faster too!  Plus its pretty much true, so bonus for not having to lie to my kids!  (This still blows my mind.)

P.S. The discovery that you can cook most vegetables like they are meat (e.g. roasted broccoli) was life-changing.