If you are like me you are wondering if you will ever achieve the goal of getting your child to eat veggies. Have no fear – there are ways to keep your child healthy even if they don’t like to eat veggies.
Disguise the Veggie!
One way to sneak in the veggies is by blending it in with foods they already like. You can chop them up into lasagna, sandwiches, or serve them with dips. There are an abundance of recipes for foods like banana and raisin pancakes or muffins. Unique recipes like honey carrot cookies or squash cookies is another way to serve the otherwise disliked veggie.
One way I have found to get my 3-year-old daughter to enjoy fruit is by making smoothies. We blend strawberries and bananas with yogurt. She loves it! You could gradually add vegetables to the blend without your child noticing.
Start Early
The earlier you start introducing vegetables to your child’s diet the better. Some studies show that food habits are formed early and do not change much between the age of 2 – 8 years old. This does not mean it’s too late if your child is between these ages. Continue introducing your child to new vegetable options and be sure to set a good example. With my first child it didn’t matter what I put on his plate because he always ate from mine.
Avoid the Sweets
If sugary food and drinks are not purchased then they are not an option. Replace sugary sodas and flavored drinks with 100% fruit and vegetable drinks. If you do not have time to make your own one of our favorites is V8’s Fusion Blend, which has a full serving each of 100% fruit and vegetables in each serving.
More Tips and Tricks
- Keep a supply of finger foods such as baby carrots or cut carrots, cherry tomatoes, grapes, or raisins handy and set out on a plate for the child to eat when they are most hungry – while you are preparing the meal.
- Serve raw or slightly steamed vegetables with dressing or cheese dip for dipping.
- Let your child help choose the vegetables and prepare the meals.
- Serve veggies daily so your child will get used to it.
- Plant a vegetable garden with your child.
- Be a good example!
What ways have you created to get your child to eat vegetables? Share your tips in the comment section.
Share your recipes by sending to christina@imabusysingleparent.com
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