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Smart And Sneaky Ways To Get Your Kid To Eat Their Fruits And Vegetables

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If given the option, I bet 9 times out of 10 most children would rather eat a lollipop and chocolate vs fuits and vegetables. Children aren’t born knowing that candy is bad for them, it just down right tastes better. As parents, it is our job to make sure that our children are eating well balanced meals and a healthy variety of all the different food groups. It’s not new information that lots of kids are picky when it comes to eating fruits and veggies and some just down right refuse to eat them at all.

two kids with watermelon rinds

Importance of Kids Eating Fruits and Vegetables

Getting kids to eat their fruits and vegetables is of utmost importance for their overall health and well-being. Fruits and vegetables are nutritional powerhouses packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support the growth and development of children. Encouraging a balanced diet early on instills healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.

These colorful and flavorful foods not only boost the immune system but also contribute to optimal brain function, enhanced concentration, and improved academic performance. By introducing a variety of fruits and vegetables into their meals and snacks, parents can nurture their children’s taste buds, expand their culinary horizons, and pave the way for a future generation that values the importance of wholesome, nourishing foods.

Today I wanted to share some smart and sneaky ways to help get your children to eat their fruits and vegetables.

Hide it.

If your child isn’t into fruits and vegetables, hide them. Hide them in quesadillas. Hide them in a homemade pot pie. Hide them in a casserole or hide them in a soup. Do what you gotta do.

Talk it up.

I’ve noticed that the way I phrase things really makes a difference in if my son will eat that thing or not. Right now he’s obsessed with pirates. If I tell him Captain Hook likes peas, the kid will eat his peas. Watch how you say things, and talk those fruits and vegetables up.

Set a good example.

Eat more fruits and vegetables yourself. Chances are, if your child sees how much you’re enjoying these healthy foods, they will start to enjoy them, too.

Find their favorites.

Not everyone likes every kind of fruit and every kind of vegetable. I know I don’t. We all have our favorites and then the ones we hate. If your child really hates one, keep offering new fruits and vegetables until you find their favorites.

Blend it.

Smoothies, juices, and shakes are all the rage these days and for good reason. They provide an excellent amount of nutrients and they taste delicious. Smoothies are fun and kids love them. If you’ve got a picky eater, blend up their food and try serving it that way.

Get them in the kitchen with you.

If you get your child in the kitchen with you to help prepare their meal, they may like eating the things they make more. Give it a shot.

It’s all in the presentation.

Try making the fruits and vegetables look more appealing. Present them on a fun plate, cut them a different way, season them.

Grate them.

If you’ve got a really picky eater on your hands, be extra sneaky and grate vegetables on top of their soup or inside of their quesadillas. They won’t even realize they are there.

Give them options.

Instead of saying- “Do you want peas?” Ask them, “Do you want peas OR carrots?” Sometimes all it takes is giving your child an option and letting them feel like they are in charge.

Serve them frozen.

This may sound weird, but I’ve tried and tested it and it works. My son often times will ask for frozen corn or frozen strawberries out of the freezer. They are new and different and I had never served them to him before because, umm, they were frozen! But he wanted them and who was I to turn down a child politely asking for fruits and vegetables? For some reason, this worked and I’ve heard it works for lots of people.

Do you have a picky eater on your hands who refuses fruits and vegetables? What’s a great sneaky way you’ve gotten your children to eat healthy foods? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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Rebecca Larson

Friday 17th of May 2013

My toddler isn't picky when it comes to fruits and veggies, but he LOVES eating his veggies still frozen! Peas, green beans, corn, etc. Makes lunch time super easy! I do worry about his teeth though...

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