Sometimes, getting children to eat their fruit and vegetables can be a challenge. This may be because they are unsure about trying new foods or are convinced that fruit and veggies can’t be delicious.
Trying to find healthy options that your little one enjoys can be a task that many parents struggle with, but it doesn't have to be difficult. With these 5 top tips, we’re sure you’ll be able to have your child eating fruit and veg in no time at all. Check them out below:
Smoothies
Everyone loves a sweet drink so why not incorporate a variety of fruit and vegetables into a cooling drink you know your child will be excited to try. With bright colours from mango, raspberries and kale, as well as fun textures from bananas, strawberries and avocados, your little one is sure to want to gulp down a tasty vitamin and mineral-packed smoothie. With so many recipes to choose from, you’re bound to discover a healthy drink your kid will want to have every day.
Storytelling
Children love hearing stories and using their imagination with the simplest of ideas. With this in mind, try to make a story surrounding the fruit and vegetables you want your child to eat. Have carrots on the plate? Tell them a fun story about a rabbit needing to see in the dark. Want your child to eat their broccoli? Share a tale about a group of dinosaurs going on an adventure to find their favourite tree snack. Making mealtime fun can help to distract and excite little ones for when it’s time to eat fruit and veggies.
Get them involved
Allow your little one to get involved in the buying and preparations of the fruit and vegetables. If they get to have a choice in what they eat and see how it is prepared and plated up, they are more likely to be excited to try it.
Keep consistent
Maybe you’re not the best at eating your own 5-a-day or you find it too time consuming to battle with your child about eating their fruit and veg, but consistency is key. Always including a fruit and vegetable with every meal is important so your child gets used to the idea that it’s something they simply have to eat to have a balanced diet. If your child refuses to eat a particular fruit or vegetable, keep serving it to them in different forms until they find a way to enjoy it.
Favourites
Incorporating certain fruit and vegetables into your child’s favourite meal is a great way to encourage them to eat new healthy foods. Add sweetcorn and spinach to a homemade pizza, sliced apples with their peanut butter or parsnips to mashed potatoes. Depending on their age, it will become easier to hide the fruit and vegetables in the dishes.
