But My Kids Don’t Like Veggies
This is a concern that I hear from parents on a regular basis – “How do I get my kids to eat more fruits and vegetables?” Children (and adults) like to eat what they are accustomed to eating. If they are used to the taste of fruits and vegetables they enjoy it. If they are used to the taste of chips and cookies they prefer that. Unfortunately, the United States offers an abundance of foods that are higher in fat and calorie, such as burgers, fries, pizza, soft drinks, etc. If these are the types of foods your kids have always had, that is what they prefer.
Fortunately, our bodies are amazing creations. They can adjust to whatever we expose them to. The trick is to introduce new things to them slowly over time. It is very unlikely that your child will suddenly like broccoli the first time you put it on their plate. Don’t be disappointed when you hear, “But I don’t like to eat trees, Mommy.” It will take the consistent introduction of the taste over time to allow their palate to accept it. Just give them a small amount every now and then, and tell them that they must try a few bites. Make sure they also have something on their plate that they like. We want meals to be enjoyable for them.
This all applies to adults as well. If you are trying to get yourself to choose healthier foods you also must try them on a regular basis. Remember, you won’t always like the taste at first but over time you’ll find that you will actually begin to like it. It really is possible! And don’t forget that you cannot ask your children to eat their veggies if you aren’t eating them as well. Be a good role model for your kids. They will appreciate you for it when they are older.
Find ways to present vegetables and fruits in a way that seems fun. Try using a crinkle cutter or small cookie cutters on celery, carrots, apples, bananas, or canned pear halves. Call them different names such as broccoli trees (with a raisin hidden inside—They like surprises!), carrot or celery swords, or ants on a log (cream cheese stuffed celery stalks with raisins). Add cheese to vegetables. Talk about the colors and textures of the foods. Kids identify well with color. Let them arrange foods into a rainbow. Get creative, and make it fun!
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