Tips for getting kids to eat vegetables or try new food
Taking the journey to healthier eating is always something that parents need help with, so here are some helpful tips...
Different families have different experiences regarding getting their kids to eat vegetables.
Vegetables have long been considered unappealing for kids (and many adults), but their benefits are endless. Therefore, many parents have tried several techniques to get their kids to consume more vegetables.
Some hide the veggies, while others encourage their kids to eat vegetables by setting a good example. Parents have tried several techniques over the years; some work, some don't, but we must keep trying.
A mother who is also a digital creator shared that she loves fruit and vegetables.
Lynn Ferrari shared four tips that have helped her get her kids to share her passion for fruit and vegetables.
- Allowing the kids to pick/select what they want to eat based on fair choices helps them attain autonomy in the eating experience. Ferrari said that getting them to choose what they want to eat does help.
- Getting the kids involved in their food preparation, perhaps allowing them to cut the fruits for snack time or the vegetables for supper. This way, they feel more in control because they contributed in some way, and that sense of accomplishment will encourage them to try eating what they helped cook.
- Play around with the presentation. Most people eat with their eyes, but kids definitely do. Plating up the vegetables or the new food in an appealing manner may help them try it out.
- Lead by example. Often, kids want to try the food they see their parents eating. It's worth a try because, as Ferrari said, "Encourage them to try new things by trying them yourself. If I don’t eat it, my kids won’t."
- Don't give up after the first try, or if they don't like something on the first attempt. Rather, push through and persist. Offering the food to them again within the next few days may help them transition. Also, Ferrari says that "sometimes it takes my two, five, or six tries to start liking a new taste".
- Textures are a great way for kids to feel the food; this might help them push past the constrictions and try something new.
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