What to Do With a Teen That Doesn't Eat Fruits or Veggies?

It's often difficult for parents to monitor how many fruits and vegetables their teens are consuming. About 33 percent of teens reported consuming vegetables less than once a day, according to a study conduct by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's never too late to help your teenager add more fruits and vegetables to his diet.

  1. In the House

    • Limit your teen's access to junk or unhealthy food by stocking your pantry and fridge's shelves with fruits and vegetables. Bring your teenager on board by insisting he help you shop for groceries. Ask his opinion about which fruits and vegetables he'd enjoy in the house. For example, create a fruit salad from strawberries, raspberries and bananas if your teen enjoys sweeter fruit. Provide your teen with baby carrots, celery and peppers, but don't forget his favorite ranch dipping sauce. When your teen is hungry and in the middle of an online video game match, he will settle for the healthy snacks in the fridge instead of venturing to a store to buy junk foods.

    School Lunch

    • It's difficult for parents to monitor their teenager's eating habits outside the home, especially when they're tossing away your healthy lunch to grab a burger with his friends. So instead of fighting, make a deal with him that if he agrees to eat healthy twice a week, he can choose what he eats the other three. Provide him with a packed lunch featuring healthy foods, such as a sandwich featuring lean meats and whole grain bread, an apple and milk. On the other days, provide your teen with the money to purchase his own lunch. However, remind him to make healthy choices, but don't expect him to choose fruits and vegetables each time.

    Look for Healthy Alternatives

    • Instead of insisting your teenager eat fruits and vegetable you know he doesn't enjoy, find healthier choices to his favorite foods. For example, instead of serving traditional fries, provide him with baked sweet potato fries seasoned with sea salt. If your teen enjoys ice cream, serve him low-fat yogurt featuring fresh, sliced strawberries or blueberries. For a teen with a sweet tooth, offer him sliced apples with a caramel or chocolate dip. According to Help Guide, the idea isn't to completely exclude junk food from your teen's diet. Instead, show him healthier ways to satisfy his cravings for salts or sweets.

    Talk To Your Teens About the Importance of Healthy Eating

    • Unlike a fussy toddler, your teenager will understand the rational reasons to eat healthy food. Sit your teenager down and explain to him the benefits associated with ditching junk food in favor of fruits and vegetables. For example, if your teenager enjoys playing sports, explain to him that filling up on carrots, peas and oranges instead of burgers and fries will help improve his performance. If your younger teen is worried about being short, Help Guide recommends pointing out that several healthy foods, including varieties of fruits and vegetables, are filled with the vitamins and minerals essential to grow and remain strong.

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