As a parent, you know how important it is for your kids to eat a variety of vegetables. However, getting them to actually enjoy veggies can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.

If you’re tired of the dinner table battles and want to find creative ways to incorporate more vegetables into your child’s diet, we’ve got you covered! Here are some tips and tricks to trick your kids into eating their veggies.

1. Blend It Up

One great way to introduce veggies into your child’s diet is to blend them into smoothies or sauces.

By adding vegetables like spinach, carrots, or kale into a fruit smoothie, you can create a delicious and nutritious drink that your kids won’t be able to resist. Similarly, you can puree vegetables like cauliflower or butternut squash and mix them into pasta sauces or soups.

2. Get Creative with Names

Give vegetables fun and enticing names to make them more appealing to kids. For example, calling broccoli “little trees” or carrots “superpower sticks” can make these vegetables seem more exciting and fun.

3. Make Them Part of the Process

Involve your kids in the meal preparation process. Take them grocery shopping and let them choose the vegetables they want to try. Then, have them help with washing, peeling, and cutting the vegetables before cooking.

When kids feel involved and connected to the process, they are more likely to eat what they have helped to create.

4. Sneak Them into Favorite Dishes

If your child has a favorite dish, find ways to sneak vegetables into it. For example, if they love mac and cheese, add pureed cauliflower or carrots to the cheese sauce. If they enjoy pizza, top it with a variety of colorful veggies.

By incorporating vegetables into their favorite meals, your kids won’t even realize they are eating something healthy.

5. Provide Dips or Sauces

Kids love to dip their food, so why not provide them with a healthy dip or sauce? Offer ranch dressing, hummus, or yogurt-based dips alongside sliced vegetables. The creamy and flavorful dip can make the vegetables more appealing and exciting to eat.

6. Offer Variety and Color

Children are often drawn to bright and colorful foods. Make sure to offer a variety of vegetables in different colors to catch their attention.

Create a rainbow on their plate by including red tomatoes, orange carrots, yellow bell peppers, and green broccoli. The more colorful the plate, the more likely they are to try different veggies.

7. Lead by Example

Kids are more likely to try new foods if they see their parents enjoying them. Be a role model by including vegetables in your own meals and showing enthusiasm for eating them.

If your child sees you happily munching on broccoli or enjoying a salad, they may be more inclined to give it a try.

8. Turn Vegetables into Fun Shapes

Invest in some fun-shaped cookie cutters and use them to cut vegetables into appealing shapes. Carrot stars, cucumber hearts, and bell pepper flowers can make eating veggies a playful and enjoyable experience for your child.

9. Start Small and Gradually Increase

If your child is resistant to eating vegetables, start small by serving a small portion on their plate. Encourage them to at least try a bite and praise them for any effort.

As they become more accustomed to the taste and texture, you can gradually increase the portion size. Remember to be patient and persistent.

10. Make it a Game

Turn vegetable eating into a game or challenge. Set goals and reward your child with a small treat or a special privilege whenever they finish a certain number of vegetables.

This can create a positive association with eating veggies and make it more exciting for your kids.