Moms, does your child dislike eating vegetables? Vegetables don’t seem to be a favorite food for most kids, right, Moms? Often, we find children refusing to eat vegetables for various reasons. One of the most common reasons is the taste of vegetables, which they may find unpleasant or bitter. The texture of vegetables being soft or fibrous is also another reason children don’t like them.
It’s certainly unfortunate if your little one refuses to eat vegetables altogether. Vegetables contain many essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, that are needed for children’s growth and development. So, how can we handle a child who doesn’t like vegetables? And what are the benefits of vegetables for children? Here’s a summary of the information for you, Moms.
Benefits of vegetables for children
Before you find out how to deal with a child who doesn’t like vegetables, Moms need to know some of the benefits your child can get from consuming vegetables, such as:
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Improving digestion. Vegetables contain fiber, which helps with digestion and prevents constipation. Fiber also keeps children full for longer, making them less likely to snack on unhealthy foods.
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Boosting immunity. The vitamin C content in vegetables, like in broccoli, can help boost the immune system.
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Good for eye health. Vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. For example, carrots contain vitamin A, which is good for eye health.
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Reducing the risk of disease. Vegetables also contain antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. Antioxidants also help maintain cell health and prevent chronic diseases later on.
How to handle a child who doesn’t like vegetables
Dealing with a child who doesn’t like vegetables can be challenging, but it’s not impossible to overcome. Here are some ways you can try to encourage your little one to eat vegetables:
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Introduce vegetables gradually. Start with vegetables that have a milder taste and a texture that children prefer, such as carrots or peas.
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Be consistent in offering vegetables. Offer vegetables at every lunch and dinner. You can also include them as snacks for your child.
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Eat vegetables in front of your child. This can also encourage your little one to eat vegetables. Children tend to imitate their parents’ behavior, so make sure you enjoy vegetables too.
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Make it a fun activity. Invite your child to cook together and let them choose the vegetables they want to try. Give them the opportunity to peel the vegetables during the cooking process.
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Offer vegetable pieces with dipping sauces. Another fun way is to provide sauces for dipping vegetables. You can play a taste test game with your child by dipping vegetables in different sauces you’ve prepared. Shape vegetables into characters or images your child likes to make them excited to try them.
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Choose recipes your child likes. There are many easy recipes for kids available online, including child-friendly vegetable dishes. You can also combine vegetables with grated cheese or add spinach to smoothies mixed with fruits and vegetables.
These are some ways you can help your child enjoy eating vegetables. Keep in mind that when you’re getting your child used to eating vegetables, try to avoid punishing them if they refuse to eat vegetables and avoid bribing them or offering rewards when they do eat vegetables to prevent picky eating behavior.
