"Eat your vegetables!" has been the mantra of the frustrated parents of picky eaters for generations. And the encouragement is needed now more than ever as recent research from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md. found that 40 percent of the calories children ages 2 to 18 consumed were empty calories.

So what is the secret to getting kids to eat their other veggies and follow other "moms know best' advice"? Enter www.ClubMum.net, an online community for parents featuring four bloggers (who just so happen to be parents) dedicated to sharing their best-kept secrets and tips on how to deliver the good stuff to their kids.

Sponsored by Chef Boyardee, Club Mum is lead by a panel of four mom bloggers who tell of their own struggles and successes in keeping healthy foods on the home menu, keeping kids active in the colder months and finding engaging community service projects.

"Being a mom is tough work, and this online community is a great place to learn tips and tricks on parenting from other moms," says Jodi Grundig, mom blogger and Club Mum panelist. Grundig is joined with Laurin Evans, Heather Spohr and Sylvia Martinez (who posts articles both in English and Spanish).

Here's a sampling of some of parents' best-kept secrets shared on the site:

* Grate apples or carrots and add them to the classic PBJ for some added fruits and veggies (not to mention some crunch).

* Puree onions, peppers or mushrooms and add them to pasta or pizza sauces for added flavor and nutrients.

* To get more whole grains and vegetables into your kids' diets, look for products they already love with added whole grains and vegetables.

* For super picky eaters, make a "menu" with a list of options - according to the mom bloggers, kids are more likely to eat the things they played a part in choosing.

* One great way to bond with your kids beyond the kitchen is to introduce a community service project like volunteering at a homeless shelter or participating in cleaning a public park.

Courtesy of ARAContent.com