How to Encourage Children to Eat Vegetables
Tell your child about the health benefits of eating vegetables., Persuade your child to eat some (but not all) of what you've put on the plate., Try reverse psychology., Make up a game so that eating vegetables is more fun. , Hide vegetables in...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Tell your child about the health benefits of eating vegetables.
Example: "If you take two more bites, you can be done.
I'm sure you can eat two more bites.
Let's count."
Say something like, "I wouldn't eat that if I were you."
, For instance, put vegetables on pizza or in a casserole. , Children pick up cues from adults and siblings when it comes to food.
If people grimace or complain about eating foods there is a good chance the child will too.
Children will often pick up the picky eating habit from those around them. , Sometimes the pressure to eat it makes a child leery.
They will think of eating certain foods much like being forced medication. , If the child gets extra attention when they don't eat their vegetables they may continue to protest and cause problems at the table. , A proud child will often try their own creations. , Children often try to imitate and may be more open to trying a vegetable that is their big sibling's or grandparent's favorite. , It may be more than a question of taste.
If your child seems to protest against certain cooked foods, textures or shapes you can try the raw option if it is safe.
Some children also have color preferences.
You may need to adjust your menu until the phase passes. , Juicing is a fun way to get important vegetable nutrients.
For the busy parent some vegetable juice blends are available in the produce section.
Try different varieties until you find a blend your child likes.
There are more options than just V-8.
You shouldn't replace all vegetables with juice an important fiber is lost in the juicing process.
If necessary, juice when they aren't around so the real ingredients can't be seen.
Keep track of the ingredients you use.
You may find a combination of ingredients they prefer and you may need to recreate the recipe. , Pizza's are also a great place to hide finely chopped vegetables. , Sometimes they become accustomed to foods being prepared a certain way and may reject the way it is prepared at home. , Talk to your local greenhouse and plant vegetables that are quick growing and easy to care for.
They'll learn and become eager to try new vegetables. , -
Step 2: Persuade your child to eat some (but not all) of what you've put on the plate.
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Step 3: Try reverse psychology.
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Step 4: Make up a game so that eating vegetables is more fun.
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Step 5: Hide vegetables in foods your child likes.
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Step 6: Make sure the adults set a good example.
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Step 7: Don't make it a big deal.
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Step 8: Consider their motivation.
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Step 9: Include your child in the preparation of the foods.
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Step 10: Tell your child which vegetables are your favorites
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Step 11: which are favorites of other people they like.
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Step 12: Consider the texture of the foods the child doesn't like.
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Step 13: Try juicing.
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Step 14: Add minced or grated vegetables to sauces or to other dishes they enjoy.
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Step 15: Talk to their teachers and see if there are foods served in schools they seem to enjoy.
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Step 16: Help your child to grow a vegetable garden.
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Step 17: Add more low sugar fruits to their diet if they become to vegetable resistant.
Detailed Guide
Example: "If you take two more bites, you can be done.
I'm sure you can eat two more bites.
Let's count."
Say something like, "I wouldn't eat that if I were you."
, For instance, put vegetables on pizza or in a casserole. , Children pick up cues from adults and siblings when it comes to food.
If people grimace or complain about eating foods there is a good chance the child will too.
Children will often pick up the picky eating habit from those around them. , Sometimes the pressure to eat it makes a child leery.
They will think of eating certain foods much like being forced medication. , If the child gets extra attention when they don't eat their vegetables they may continue to protest and cause problems at the table. , A proud child will often try their own creations. , Children often try to imitate and may be more open to trying a vegetable that is their big sibling's or grandparent's favorite. , It may be more than a question of taste.
If your child seems to protest against certain cooked foods, textures or shapes you can try the raw option if it is safe.
Some children also have color preferences.
You may need to adjust your menu until the phase passes. , Juicing is a fun way to get important vegetable nutrients.
For the busy parent some vegetable juice blends are available in the produce section.
Try different varieties until you find a blend your child likes.
There are more options than just V-8.
You shouldn't replace all vegetables with juice an important fiber is lost in the juicing process.
If necessary, juice when they aren't around so the real ingredients can't be seen.
Keep track of the ingredients you use.
You may find a combination of ingredients they prefer and you may need to recreate the recipe. , Pizza's are also a great place to hide finely chopped vegetables. , Sometimes they become accustomed to foods being prepared a certain way and may reject the way it is prepared at home. , Talk to your local greenhouse and plant vegetables that are quick growing and easy to care for.
They'll learn and become eager to try new vegetables. ,
About the Author
Lori Murphy
With a background in lifestyle and practical guides, Lori Murphy brings 10 years of hands-on experience to every article. Lori believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
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