Help! My child hates vegetables!

By PENDA HONEYGHAN

‘YUCK!’ is probably the most popular expression parents all over the world will relate to when they’ve served their children vegetables. This situation has had many parents searching for solutions for years, as they know how essential vegetables are to a child’s overall health.

So what do you do when your child absolutely refuses to touch the green stuff?

Nutritionist Donovan Grant said vegetables and fruits are essential elements of a balanced diet, moreso for children who are still growing. He said while he understands that the situation can be very frustrating, there are a number of things that parents could try that would yield a more favourable response from children.

“Being creative in the way that you provide vegetables to your children is the first step to changing their minds about vegetables. Disguising vegetables is perhaps one of the most effective ways to include them in a child’s diet,” Grant explained

Also:

1. Let them drink it

There is nothing that a child loves more than juice. Fruit juices are often recommended for small children and this is the perfect way to include vegetables. For example, when preparing a fruit punch, include cucumbers or a leaf or two of callaloo in the mix, or even better, make them a smoothie, use milk and add carrots and other fruits or vegetables.

2. Make meals colourful

Children love colours. So whether you will be giving then raw vegetables or vegetables from the can, ensure that there is a variety of colours.

3. Try dips

Whether their favourite is apple sauce, ketchup, ranch dressing or peanut butter, this is the perfect time to use vegetables as finger foods.

4. Make veggie art

Being creative with food doesn’t take much imagination. Plating food with an added design element will make the food more appealing to children. You could create colourful faces, cartoon characters, or any toys or objects that will generate excitement for your child.

5. Camouflage vegetables

You could also hide vegetables in your children’s favourite foods. For example, add vegetables to their mashed potatoes, or broccoli and carrots to their mac and cheese. This can also be done in their snacks and desserts. Make carrot or pumpkin muffins and pie instead of plain, or pineapple or cherry pancakes for breakfast.

6. Plant a garden with your child

Nothing is more fulfilling for children than knowing they were involved in the process of caring for and harvesting ripe vegetables. They are more likely to eat what they helped to grow.