How to Get Your Kids to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, but getting young children to eat them can be challenging.

Here are some tips to help you encourage your kids to eat more fruits and veggies:

Make fruits and vegetables fun.

There are many ways to make healthy eating fun for kids. You can cut them into fun shapes or blend them into a smoothie.
Check out these smoothie recipes from Delish.

Offer a fresh variety.

Some kids are more likely to eat certain fruits and vegetables than others. Keep offering a variety; eventually, your child will find some they like.

Don’t force it.

If your child doesn’t want to eat a particular fruit or veggie, don’t force them. This will only make them more resistant to eating it in the future. Instead, offer them a different type that they like.

Praise your child for trying new foods.

When your child tries a new healthful food, praise them for it. This will help them feel good, and they’ll be more likely to do it again.

Make fruits and vegetables available at all times.

If you want your kids to eat healthfully, you must make healthy food readily available. Keep a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter and have pre-cut veggies ready to go as a snack.

Get your kids involved in shopping and cooking.

Taking your kids to the grocery store and letting them help you pick out fruits and vegetables is a great way to get them excited about eating them. You can also let them help you prepare and cook food at an age- and skill-appropriate level. This will help them learn about different fruits and vegetables and make them more likely to want to eat them.

Be patient.

Getting kids to develop a taste for fruits and vegetables takes time. Don’t get discouraged if your child doesn’t like a particular fruit or vegetable immediately. Keep offering them different fruits and vegetables; eventually, they’ll find some they enjoy.

Here are some additional tips:

• Let your kids help you wash and prepare.
• Cut into small pieces that are easy for kids to eat.
• Serve with a dip that your child likes.
• Make fruits and veggies a part of your family’s regular meals and snacks.
• Set a good example by eating healthfully in front of your children.

These tips can help encourage your kids to eat more fruits and veggies. Just remember to be patient and offer a variety to choose from. With time, your kids will develop a taste for healthy foods.

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By: Melissa A. Kay