Every month there is some celebration or recognition for foods. This month is no different. I had already talked a little about the importance of dairy but I can't let the month go by without recognizing that it is also National Fruits and Vegetables Month!
Wow, that is two very important food groups. Particularly because it is one that children tend to be low in. What happened to us as children when we loved all types of food and were open to all the new exciting experiences that we slowly or quickly moved away from vegetables and fruits.
Now this week, I want to focus on the vegetables. It is one of the main five food groups and loaded with so many vitamins and minerals that children need to grow and develop into healthy adults.
I want to share with you some of the reasons children don't like vegetables. I hope this helps you look at some of the habits in the home to help find ways to get kids eating more VEGETABLES!
Top Reasons Kids don't eat vegetables:
But what can you do to counter these?
There are many strategies but the best uses the 3 P's strategy:
You have to tailor your strategies to your child. Each child is different and has their own biases, personal experiences and taste preferences (along with their personality) that will guide the ability to try a vegetable they already think they don't want to eat.
If you look at the reasons above, you can some up with ideas:
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taste |
Try different recipes that include the foods the child does enjoy. | ||
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consistency |
Vegetables can be cooked many different ways that change the consistency. For example, steaming vs raw. | ||
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seen others use nonverbal communication to show they did not like it |
Ensure that eating more vegetables is a family goal so that everyone is on board with a positive attitude and willing spirit to try new vegetables | ||
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heard family members say negative comments about vegetables |
Be positive and bring family and friends on board so everyone is working together to demonstrate how tasty veggies really are! | ||
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does not look appetizing |
Presentation is everything. You can jazz up veggies by creating a little image with the veggies. They come in so many colors. Be creative and make them fun. | ||
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wants something sweet instead |
There are recipes that can sweeten up some veggies. You can also throw them into the smoothie with other fruits. | ||
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associates a negative experience with vegetables (for example, the child was scolded or punished for not wanting to eat the vegetable) |
Be positive and don't make eating vegetables the battle at the table. Get them involved in preparing, choosing and shopping for veggies. Keep offering them in different ways and demonstrate how much you enjoy them. Patience! |
Monday’s Nourishing Thought:
Battles are not won in a day!
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