Getting kids to eat their vegetables is no easy thing. Dinner time can quickly turn into a battle, and that’s really not fun for anyone.
If I’m honest, I totally get where the kiddos are coming from. I’ve never been a fan of veggies, and growing up hasn’t changed that. I still hate things like peas, lima beans and dreaded spinach.
So how do I get my kids to eat, and even enjoy their vegetables?
I’ve figured out a couple strategies that are working at our house.
First off… I don’t feed them the ones they hate.
I figure, they will have plenty of time to learn to love other veggies and expand their horizons. For now, I’m focused on getting them the nutrition they need in ways that I expect they will enjoy.
From time to time we serve something that I know they don’t like, and I expect them to eat it. But generally I try to keep our cupboards stocked with things I know they like, the same way I keep them stocked with things my husband and I enjoy.
I try different methods
I figured out early on that my kids hate steamed vegetables. They don’t like the texture, and they also hate food that is hot, so cooked veggies are just a no-go in our house.
However, they are completely obsessed with frozen corn (yes, while it’s still frozen), and even other frozen veggies from time to time.
They also LOVE raw vegetables. In fact, if I’m not careful I’ll catch them sneaking raw carrots from the fridge at all hours of the day and I totally play along like they are being sneaky and this isn’t something that I LOVE for them to do.
We do smoothies
As an adult who doesn’t necessarily love vegetables, smoothies are one way I’ve found that I can enjoy them. We love making fruit smoothies with spinach added in. You truly can’t taste the spinach, trust me, my kids and I would know the difference!
We try new veggies
We know for a fact that the kids hate peas and brussel sprouts so we don’t serve those up very often. However, we’ve tried some new ones like edamame and found that both kids LOVE it. If your kids aren’t fans of the traditional vegetables, try some new ones like asparagus, or okra, they might be willing to give those a try!
Are there any vegetables that your kids enjoy? Share your tips in the comments!
Odette France says
Getting kids to eat vegetables is often difficult, but there are some methods that work every time. Here are my favorites:
1. Blend vegetables like spinach, kale, carrots and broccoli with fresh fruit, yogurt and a little agave and voila, your child is getting the nutrition he/she needs.
2. Make fruit and vegetable purees, pour into an ice cube tray, add a stick, freeze, and serve.
3. If they won’t eat vegetables, they will drink them. Juice veggies with some fruit to mask the taste.
4. Stir fries are cheap healthy meals that transform the taste of vegetables by combining them with a number of kid-friendly flavors.
5. Prepare cooked vegetables with kid-friendly spices like the slightly sweet cinnamon and cardamom. Clove, nutmeg, and ginger are delicious as well.
6. You can add vegetables like sweet potato, pumpkin, eggplant and carrots to sweet treats like muffins, cakes, and sweet bread.
7. Those having difficulty getting their child to eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables must try mixing them into tasty sauces!
8. Another way to get children to eat their vegetables is by serving them with dips and dressings.
This giant article gives several good ideas how to get kids to eat more vegetables:
http://www.worldofsauces.com/a-progressive-approach-to-healthy-nutrition/
janifer says
I just do fight everyday to cat my girl. She never want to eat vegetable.As a single mom of a baby boy, I am doing this mommy thing on my own. It can be so overwhelming most days, but I have never felt the presence of God in my life like I do now. This post means SO much to me. I have tears in my eyes.
Rachel says
I got the same question! Thanks for answering them. I will follow what you said.