Eating vegetables is essential for a healthy lifestyle, but getting children to appreciate them can be a challenge. There are many creative ways parents can help their children enjoy vegetables more, which will benefit their health in the long run. Here are some tips and tricks from Crunchy Mama Box to inspire your kids to eat more veggies.
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Start Them Young
It’s never too early to start introducing vegetables into your child’s diet. Exposing them to vegetables at an early age helps them become accustomed to the taste and texture of new foods, so they’re more likely to enjoy them as they get older. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular vegetable, consult with your child's pediatrician to avoid choking hazards.
Get Creative
Getting creative with how you introduce vegetables can make all the difference. For example, make veggie-themed crafts together. You could also use cookie cutters in different shapes, like stars or animals, when cutting up vegetables for meals or snacks. Even arranging veggies differently on the plate, such as making a rainbow, can help your child see these foods in a new light. This will make eating them more fun and exciting for your child.
Spend Kitchen Time Together
Letting your child help you cook is a great way to get them involved in meal preparation while also teaching them about nutrition and cooking skills. Have them pick out recipes (check out Crunchy Mama Box's recipes!) they would like to try, then have them help you prepare the ingredients and cook the meal together. This will make it more fun for them and give them a sense of pride when they see their finished product on the dinner table.
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Let them Choose
Encourage your child to eat more veggies by letting them pick out which ones they want at the store. Giving them a choice will help them feel empowered, which can go a long way toward helping them appreciate new foods. Talk to your child about their options and give them a sense of what each one will taste like if they're unsure.
Lead By Example
Children learn from what we do as adults, so we must set a good example by eating our share of vegetables as well. If you show enthusiasm for eating healthy foods, it will rub off on your kids and make it easier for them to follow suit. Talk about the right way to fill a plate. Take a look at some nutrition guides online, so your child will understand how many fruits, vegetables, carbs, and proteins they should have in one serving.
Start a Garden
Starting a garden together is another great way to get your kids interested in eating veggies. Planting seeds together can be a fun activity that teaches patience while also giving you something delicious and nutritious at harvest time. Plus, having a garden can boost your home’s resale value if maintained properly over time. Make sure you take before-and-after photos and keep any receipts or invoices so you can factor in those changes to the property price when the time comes to sell.
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Eating more vegetables is important for both adults and children alike, but getting kids interested in trying new things can be challenging at times. Rather than letting the process frustrate both of you, get creative. The more you talk about and enjoy new foods with your child, the more open-minded they're likely to be.
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Article written by Greg Moro
