Health

Creative ways to get your kids to eat their veggies

Vegetables are an important food group. If your kids are not into their greens, learn how to use creativity to get your picky eaters excited about eating their veggies.

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Children can be picky eaters, but there are ways to get them into eating their greens

Your kids need to eat veggies – so let’s find a way to do it! Source: Freepik.

Getting kids to eat their veggies can be a daunting task for many parents. But there are some fun and creative ways in which parents can encourage kids to enjoy vegetables.

A well-rounded diet is essential for a child’s overall health and wellbeing. Eating a variety of nutritious foods helps kids get all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.

It’s no secret that kids often don’t like to eat their greens. But why is this? One reason is the taste factor – kids’ taste buds are different from adults.

Therefore, they may find certain vegetables too bitter or simply unappetizing.

Additionally, kids may not be familiar with certain vegetables and find them intimidating.

This is why it’s important to introduce kids early on to a variety of veggies.

So they become accustomed to their flavor and texture. Another factor is the lack of control kids have in deciding what they eat.

While it might be tempting to force kids to eat their vegetables, this could lead to an aversion down the line.

Instead, it’s important to make kids a part of the decision-making process and encourage them to try different kinds of vegetables.

To help you with the process, here are some fun and interesting ways to get your kids to eat their veggies. 

Add a tasty and colorful dip to make your kids eat veggies

Adding a fun dip to vegetables is an easy way to get kids to eat their veggies. It’s also a great way to make the mealtime experience more enjoyable and encourage healthy eating habits.

There are many options when it comes to dips, from store-bought dressings and sauces to homemade creations like hummus or tzatziki.

Let your kids choose their favorite dip and get creative in how you serve it, such as a dipping station with colorful veggie sticks or using breadsticks for scooping up the dip.

No matter how you present it, adding a fun dip is sure to make eating veggies more fun for everyone! 

Get your kids involved in the process

Kids like to be creative and participate in the process. Source: Freepik.

Getting your kids to eat their veggies can be a challenge, but one way to make it easier is by getting them involved in the cooking process.

Involving children in meal preparation can help teach them how to make healthier meals for themselves and how to practice important kitchen safety measures.

It also encourages them to try new foods and makes eating vegetables more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help get your kids involved in the cooking process:

  • Let them pick a recipe. Have them look through cookbooks or online sites and let them choose something they’d like to make. 
  • Give them age-appropriate tasks. From measuring ingredients, stirring mixes, and washing vegetables, there are plenty of jobs for your kiddo to do! 
  • Involve them in the grocery shopping process. Take them to the store with you and let them pick out their own vegetables or fruits that they’d like to include in their recipe.

Continue trying

When it comes to how to get kids to eat veggies, consistency is key. Kids often develop preferences for meals based on how regular a certain food appears in their diet.

So it pays off to be consistent with the healthy options you offer them.

Making sure that vegetables make an appearance during nearly every meal can help your child become more familiar and comfortable with them.

Try incorporating vegetables into your kid’s favorite dishes, like adding some diced tomatoes to mac and cheese or throwing in some spinach to an omelet.

Try preparing it differently

If you’re having trouble getting your kids to eat their veggies, it may be time to try some different preparations.

Roasting vegetables can bring out natural sweetness and flavors that children enjoy.

Additionally, adding flavorful herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can make vegetables taste more interesting and appealing.

Making veggie-packed soups, stews, and stir-fries can also be a great way to introduce veggies into your kids’ diet.

Finally, don’t forget about the power of presentation. Try cutting vegetables into fun shapes or arranging them in a visually appealing pattern on the plate.

You may just find that it encourages children to give their veggies a try. 

Sneak veggies into kids meals

Kids might eat their veggies if they don’t know they’re eating veggies. Source: Freepik.

If you’re struggling to get your kids to eat their veggies, there are some easy ways to sneak them into meals without them even noticing.

One way is to puree cooked vegetables and blend it into sauces or gravies. You can also add grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach to pancake or muffin batter for a nutritious twist.

If you’re making burgers, consider adding mashed cooked cauliflower to the beef mixture. Kids won’t even taste the difference! 

Another great way to get your kids to eat their veggies is by mixing them in with other foods they like.

For example, you can mix peas or diced carrots into macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, or spaghetti sauce.

You can also chop up bell peppers, celery and onions then add them to eggs when you’re making an omelet. 

Be a role model and eat your veggies with your kids

Being a good role model is one of the best ways to get your kids to eat their veggies.

Kids often follow in their parents’ footsteps, and how you behave around food can have a big impact on how they develop their own eating habits.

Try to make sure that your plate is balanced with plenty of vegetables and some protein. If you can, try to make mealtimes a pleasant and enjoyable experience for your children.

Show them how much you enjoy eating vegetables! If they see how delicious veggies can be, they’re more likely to give them a try. 

Foods that make you happy – according to science!

One of the best ways to boost your mood is by eating foods that make you happy!

Science has shown that certain foods can help improve your mental health by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps relieve stress and give you a sense of wellbeing. 

Check the link below to learn more on the matter. We’ll also give you some interesting suggestions that will surely boost your happiness levels!

happy woman eating dark chocolate

Foods that make you happy – according to science!

Do you know which foods make you happy? Here's a list of the best happiness-inducing eats, perfect for putting a smile on your face when you’re feeling a bit down.

About the author  /  Aline Barbosa

Aline Barbosa is an editor, writer and learning-enthusiast. Passionate about music, books and human behavior. Curious about the unknown. Believer that learning is a life-long process.

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