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Growing her own garden at home has helped Chesca Garcia-Kramer convince her kids to eat healthier.

“I involved my children in growing [the vegetables] so they see how important food is, and how long it takes for it to grow. So they see the value of it, basically,” Chesca said during a video conference today, October 21, hosted by PediaSure Plus.

The milk brand launched a new formulation containing Arginine and vitamin K2. Arginine can be found in eggs, poultry, and seafood while fermented food such as cheese is rich in vitamin K2.

Like most children, Chesca's kids--Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin--used to be picky eaters. They still are from time to time although that has lessened as they get to spend more time in the garden.

“They noticed that I keep planting the same vegetables or the same fruit. So I always asked them why don't you go online, why don't you research--what are the benefits of this food that I keep growing and serving for you guys?

“So it became easy for them to understand, 'Oh, this is good for me.' I always tell them [that] mommy loves you that's why I want good food for you.”

Chesca also learned to get her children's opinions about the food that they eat. This guides her in coming up with a meal plan for them, and what food they would likely enjoy eating.

“I give them a variety of food that they can choose from. I know what they feel because we were once kids too, right? So, I adjust also with them.”

Being inventive in the kitchen is also one way for Chesca to entice them to eat vegetables.

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Lately I've been into growing our own vegetables here at home. I always try to involve the kids in helping me. Not only is it a fun activity, but they also understand the value of what we grow and why it is healthy for our bodies. . Honestly it has made serving and making them eat vegetables and fruits so much easier. Gavin knows that a power meal of veggies, fruits, proteins plus his favorite "muscle milk" will make him stronger, and make him grow taller and bigger just like papa! 💪🥛 . For now, I am grateful to be able to see them grow and becoming their best selves. My growing boy! ❤️ #PediasurePlus #GrowthWatch

A post shared by Chesca Garcia Kramer (@chekakramer) on Apr 30, 2020 at 7:39pm PDT

“My kids love eggplants! They enjoy eating eggplant,” she proudly said.

“I realized that being creative makes it easier for me to feed them food that they won't usually eat.”

One perfect example is her dish called okra chicken patties.

“You just have to cook it well to get rid of the sliminess [of the okra]. I had to try it first then naisip ko, 'Yes, puwede kong pakain 'to sa kanila.' They ate it and they enjoyed it.”

But is she super strict all the time when it comes to their food?

“I'm not so strict and I give in to certain things,” she replied.

“I would rather that they asked me than them [going] behind my back. We always have visitors here at home so we have a lot of guest food like a little bit of junk [food] here and there.

“What happens is they see it and they ask me. Just so that they won't get too curious and hide it from me, I always tell them 'Ok, you can try. But this is something that you can't eat every day.”

Like in most things, communication is important to help kids eat right and properly.

“I think balance lang, not naman sobrang strict. The kids don't know, and they don't enjoy it, and they end up hiding it from you. It's just a balance and making them understand why they can't indulge,” said Chesca.

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