As a parent, you know the struggle of getting your child to eat vegetables. It often feels like a battle that you just can’t win.

But what if there was a sneaky way to get your child to eat more vegetables without them even realizing it? Well, good news! There is.

1. Hide vegetables in their favorite dishes

One of the easiest ways to get your child to eat more vegetables is to hide them in their favorite dishes. For example, you can finely chop carrots, bell peppers, and spinach and add them to their spaghetti sauce.

The vegetables will blend in with the sauce and your child won’t even notice they’re there.

2. Make fruit and veggie smoothies

Another sneaky way to get your child to eat more vegetables is by making fruit and veggie smoothies. Start with a base of fruits like bananas and berries, and then add a handful of spinach or kale.

Blend it all together and serve it in a fun cup with a straw. Your child will be happily sipping on a delicious smoothie, completely unaware of the veggies they’re consuming.

3. Use vegetables as toppings

If your child loves pizza or pasta, use vegetables as toppings. Instead of loading up on meat or cheese, sprinkle some broccoli, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes on their pizza. For pasta, add some peas, corn, or zucchini to the sauce.

The flavors will blend together, and your child won’t be able to pick out the vegetables.

4. Serve vegetables with a dip

Kids love dips, so why not serve vegetables with a tasty dip? Offer carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips with some hummus or ranch dressing. The dip will add a fun element to eating vegetables and can help mask any unfamiliar flavors.

5. Get your child involved in meal planning and preparation

When children have a say in what they eat, they are more likely to try new foods. Involve your child in meal planning by asking for their input on vegetable choices. Take them grocery shopping and let them pick out a vegetable they want to try.

Get them involved in the preparation process, whether it’s washing the vegetables, tearing lettuce for a salad, or stirring a pot of soup. When they have a sense of ownership over the meal, they will be more open to trying new vegetables.

6. Make vegetable-based snacks

Instead of offering packaged snacks filled with preservatives and artificial ingredients, make your own vegetable-based snacks. Bake kale chips, make zucchini fries, or create sweet potato tots.

These snacks are not only healthier than store-bought alternatives, but they also give you the opportunity to introduce your child to new vegetables.

7. Set an example

Children often mimic their parents’ behavior, so if they see you enjoying a variety of vegetables, they are more likely to follow suit. Make sure to include vegetables in your own meals and demonstrate your enjoyment of them.

Show enthusiasm, try different cooking methods, and highlight how delicious and nutritious vegetables are.

8. Make vegetables fun

Eating vegetables doesn’t have to be boring! Get creative and make vegetables fun for your child. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of vegetables like cucumbers or carrots. Arrange vegetables into smiley faces on their plates.

Use colorful vegetables in different shapes and sizes to create a vegetable rainbow. The more fun you make it, the more likely they are to eat their veggies.

9. Plant a vegetable garden

There’s something magical about growing your own food. Planting a vegetable garden with your child can be a fun and educational experience. Let them choose vegetables to grow and involve them in the gardening process.

When they see the vegetables growing from seed to harvest, they will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Plus, they’ll be more excited to eat the vegetables they helped grow.

10. Be patient

Lastly, be patient. It can take numerous attempts before your child starts enjoying a new vegetable. Don’t give up and keep offering a variety of vegetables in different forms and preparations.

Over time, their taste buds may adjust, and they may develop a liking for vegetables.

Remember, it’s important to introduce vegetables to your child’s diet early on and in a positive way. By implementing these sneaky strategies, you can encourage your child to eat more vegetables without the fuss and resistance.

With time and persistence, your child may even develop a genuine love for vegetables.