As a parent, it can be a constant struggle to get your kids to eat their vegetables. But with a little creativity, you can make the experience enjoyable for them and help them develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
Here are five creative methods for getting your kids to eat more vegetables:.
1. Get them involved in the process
One of the easiest ways to get your kids to eat more vegetables is to involve them in the process of choosing and preparing them. Take your kids to the farmers market or grocery store and let them pick out their own vegetables.
Then, have them help you wash and prepare the vegetables for cooking or eating raw. The more involved they are in the process, the more likely they will be to eat the final product.
2. Add vegetables to their favorite dishes
If your kids love spaghetti or pizza, try adding some vegetables to the recipe. You can add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms to spaghetti sauce or sprinkle some broccoli or spinach on their pizza.
By incorporating vegetables into their favorite dishes, they won’t even realize they are eating more vegetables.
3. Make vegetable-based snacks
Create healthy snacks for your kids that are made from vegetables. Cut up some carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers and serve them with hummus or ranch dressing for dip.
You can also make kale chips by baking kale leaves in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and salt. By providing vegetable-based snacks, you will be giving your kids healthy options that will satisfy their hunger.
4. Make it visually appealing
Kids are more likely to eat something that looks fun and appealing. Try arranging vegetables in fun shapes or designs on their plate.
You can also use cookie cutters to create vegetable shapes or make vegetable kabobs with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. By making vegetables look fun and exciting, your kids will be more interested in eating them.
5. Serve vegetables as a side dish
If your kids are resistant to eating vegetables, start by serving them as a side dish with their favorite meal. Try roasting some Brussels sprouts or serving a salad with dinner.
Gradually increase the amount of vegetables you serve and soon enough, your kids will start to enjoy them.