How to Make Your Children Eat Vegetables

Vegetables may not be at the top of your child's list of favorite foods, but they are an important part of a healthy diet and essential for proper growth. In a CNN article titled "Ten Ways to Get Kids to Eat Their Veggies," CNN Senior Medical Producer Elizabeth Cohen reports that many children do not meet government recommendations for vegetable consumption, according to a 2009 study by Ohio State University researchers. Parents can follow some quick tips to encourage their kids to eat veggies.

Things You'll Need

  • A variety of vegetables
  • Knife
  • Plates or bowls
  • Dips

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your kids about why healthy food is important. Children are more likely to do something when they understand why they should. Teach your children that nutritious food plays a role in their growth and development and helps them become strong and avoid illness. Find children's books in the library to help facilitate this conversation.

    • 2

      Be a good role model. Parents can have a powerful influence on their children's diet if they lead by example. Show your children you eat and enjoy vegetables and that you want to keep your own body fit and healthy.

    • 3

      Invite your kids to participate in picking out vegetables. In the "Parents" magazine article "15 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Better," Julie Burns, R.D., explains that involving your children in choosing and cooking meals encourages them to try new things. Take them shopping and ask them to help wash and prepare the vegetables.

    • 4

      Start with better-tasting vegetables. Introduce vegetables that are a little sweeter in flavor, such as red peppers, carrots or corn. Save plain and bitter vegetables for later.

    • 5

      Cut vegetables into fun shapes and sizes. Children enjoy variety. Arrange a plate with many choices of different-colored vegetables. KidsHealth suggests creating a face out of the veggies.

    • 6

      Try dips. Dips can help your kids get used to eating vegetables by adding an additional flavor they enjoy. For example, dip carrots in ranch dressing, peppers in hummus or celery in peanut butter.

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