Healthy diets are an integral feature of any child’s upbringing. While some aspects are fairly easy to master, getting kids to eat vegetables is notoriously hard. However, their nutritional benefits will aid physical and mental development, which is why failure is not an option.
You can face a daily battle if you like. But it’d probably be better to help your son or daughter develop a better relationship with vegetables. Here’s how you can do it in style.
[divider]Bake Pizzas[/divider]
Perhaps the most kid-friendly way to introduce vegetables is to start with pizza. You can have a lot of fun making pizzas as a family using pre-made bases. You can then add the tomato puree along with vegetables and cheeses. Mushrooms, sweetcorns, peppers, and greens can all make an appearance on the pizzas. Of course, you can add an array of meats too.
Pizzas can be further supported by salads, corn on the cob, and other healthy additions. It will be loved by parents and kids alike.
[divider]Disguise Veg Into Recipes[/divider]
Choosing the right recipes is a crucial step towards encouraging kids to eat more veg. If you’re struggling to get kids to eat vegetables, it may be better to use them in the sauce. This chicken tetrazzini recipe is a great example. You can build mushrooms into the creamy sauces. Kids will eat up the delicious creamy chicken dish without a second’s thought about the mushrooms.
Onions are another popular choice that can be incorporated into sauces and marinades. Embrace it.
[divider]Try Stuffed Veg[/divider]
Or if you do want to make the vegetable the focal point of the meal, opt for the stuffed version. Stuffed peppers are a great option that allow you to be creative with cheese and introduce extra ingredients. Bacon bits are an example. Stuffed aubergines can deliver similar results while loaded potato skins have been a hit with families for years. All options may work well.
One of the key reasons for their respective success is that they offer versatility. The personal touch makes a world of difference.
[divider]Set A Great Example[/divider]
Children are like sponges and will always look to their parents for guidance. So, if you want them to eat more vegetables, increasing your consumption is the best way to do it. Aside from choosing veg-heavy meals, having vegetable snacks in the fridge helps. Chopped vegetable sticks and International Hummus Day (May 13th) – Days Of The Year are great options. When kids see that you enjoy those foods, they’ll want them too.
Or you can opt for lentil-based snacks instead of traditional foods that you would keep in the cupboard. When coupled with praise, you’ll see big results.
[divider]Praise Them[/divider]
Kids respond well to praise, so use it to your advantage. It can take them 10 times to accept a new food and even longer to like it. As such, a little persistence may be needed. However, the way you word things can make a difference. “We get to try” rather than “we’re having” is one example. Similarly, verbal rewards for trying new foods should be commonplace, especially with young kids.
After establishing a positive relationship with one vegetable, it’s likely that they’ll be more open to other veggies too.