Every parent knows that getting kids to eat their fruits and veggies can be a challenge. Kids often turn up their noses at anything that looks too green or too healthy.

As much as we want our kids to eat a healthy diet, we also want them to be happy. So, how can we get our kids to eat more fruits and veggies without resorting to bribery or force? Here are some unconventional methods that might just do the trick:.

1. Make it fun

Kids love to play, so why not turn eating fruits and veggies into a game? You can create fun challenges like “eat the rainbow” where your kids have to try to eat fruits and veggies of every color.

You can also make shapes and designs with fruits and veggies on their plates, like a smiley face made of cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.

2. Sneak it in

If your kids are really resistant to the idea of eating fruits and veggies, try sneaking them into their meals. You can puree veggies and add them to sauces, or blend fruits into smoothies.

You can also hide fruits and veggies in other foods, like adding spinach to muffins or zucchini to pasta sauce.

3. Let them choose

Kids love to feel like they have some control over their lives, so let them choose which fruits and veggies they want to eat. Take them to the store or farmer’s market and let them pick out what looks good to them.

They may be more likely to eat something if they feel like they had a say in the matter.

4. Make it a family affair

Make eating fruits and veggies a family activity. Make a big salad together, or grill up some veggies for a family barbecue. When everyone is eating the same thing, kids are more likely to give it a try.

5. Keep it simple

Kids can be intimidated by complicated dishes with lots of different ingredients. Keep it simple by serving fruits and veggies in their most natural form.

A bowl of sliced apples or a plate of carrot sticks might be less overwhelming than a fancy salad with lots of different vegetables.

6. Make it a competition

Kids love a good competition, so why not turn eating fruits and veggies into a game? You can create a chart or scoreboard and award points for every serving of fruits and veggies they eat.

You can also make it a family competition and see who can eat the most fruits and veggies in a week.

7. Make it delicious

The most important thing is to make fruits and veggies taste delicious. Experiment with different cooking methods and seasonings to find what your kids like best. Serve raw veggies with dip or roasted with garlic and herbs.

Make fruit salad with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. If your kids find fruits and veggies tasty, they’ll be more likely to eat them.

8. Get them involved

If your kids are involved in the process of growing, preparing, and cooking fruits and veggies, they may be more likely to eat them. Plant a small garden together, or let them help you chop vegetables for dinner.

The more invested they feel in the process, the more likely they are to want to try the end result.

9. Keep trying

It can take up to 10 tries for a kid to like a new food, so don’t give up if your first attempts don’t work. Keep offering different fruits and veggies in different forms until you find something they like.

You never know when your kid might surprise you by suddenly loving kale or brussels sprouts.

10. Be a good role model

Last but not least, be a good role model for your kids. If you’re not eating fruits and veggies yourself, it might be hard to convince your kids to do so.

Make sure you’re setting a good example by incorporating plenty of fruits and veggies into your own diet.