We all know that most children are picky with their food. And oftentimes it’s the parents’ fault their kid doesn’t want to even think about veggies. It’s because they are used to eating sweets and carb-heavy foods, and no one wants to eat boiled broccoli instead of pizza.
Vegetables not only provide critical nutrients for growth and development, but they can also help your children become more well-rounded eaters in the future if they are introduced at a young age. Make your children used to veggies with these tricks.
Prepare a feeding schedule
If your kid isn’t too keen on eating healthily, you should consider creating a feeding schedule that can help you teach them to expect all kinds of foods during those fixed times. For example, a 1 year old feeding schedule can help you plan meals for your kid in advance as well as keep track of their feeding time and progress.
Keep in mind that kids’ taste buds are really sensitive to bitterness, so try to not involve bitter vegetables from the get-go, or at least try to cover them up with something sweeter. Having a schedule can also help you make sure your kid is always well fed and nourished with healthy food. But can also help you to never overfeed them.
Blend your vegetables
The blender is your best friend when you’re trying to incorporate more healthy foods into your kid’s diet. You can blend anything you want to make for any kind of dish. You can easily learn which vegetables are more suitable for toddlers.
Include veggies in any sauce or dip by blending them with other ingredients you want to mix. Combine fruits and veggies to make healthy smoothies, add legumes into the mix and you have a health bomb for your children. For snacks, think about blending fruits and vegetables with a little water and freezing the mix to give your kids healthy popsicles.
Make your kid’s plate fun
Kids like fun things that look appealing to the eye. They like colorful things and amusing shapes. If your child refuses to eat vegetables that have been sliced, try cutting them into circles, hearts, or other shapes. To make these shapes, you can use a knife or purchase fruit and vegetable cutters.
Serve veggies on brightly colored plates when serving them with a meal. Try buying a plate with their favorite cartoon character at the bottom. Princesses, superheroes, and animal-themed forks and spoons are among the many alternatives you can find in stores.
Involve your kids in preparing meals
Allow your children to assist you in the kitchen or to observe you while you prepare meals. Before the meal, give your toddler a choice of two vegetables or the way they want them served. Help them put a handful of kale, spinach, or another vegetable into the blender if they’re creating a smoothie. Allow your kids to choose their favorite veggie toppings on any dish.
With time, consistent involvement, learning about fresh fruits and vegetables, and having a say in the ingredients and preparations, your children may be more likely to try a veggie or two.
Include veggies in fun activities
Think about a fun day at some local vegetable garden. Show them different types of vegetables. They will likely be intrigued by their colors and will want to touch them to check their texture. After that explain loosely how they grow.
After checking their textures, make a little taste game and ask them what they think about all the different vegetables. This type of game will likely intrigue them to ask if there are more vegetables. This way you will be able to give them a taste of many different veggies and will know which ones they like and dislike.
Final Thoughts
Kids will be drawn to the food that you have got them used to. It’s better to include healthy options from their earliest days and keep the junk food away for as long as you can. Of course, they may have some sugary snacks from time to time but make sure it’s no more than twice a week.
Make them get used to healthy food and you will not have any problems with their eating habits. Include fun games, shapes, and colors for the best experience. Make them intrigued by new healthy food and not only they will not refuse to eat veggies but will ask for more.