How to Get your Kids to Eat Vegetables

We all know that eating vegetables are good for you, But how do you get your kids to actually eat them? This is a problem that I’m sure most parents have faced at some point. Lucky for me, my little girl loves her veggies, and usually eats them first! It wasn’t always like that though! It took some time and a few late nights at the table. Here are some tips and tricks on how to get your kids to eat vegetables!

Tips on how to get your kids to eat vegetables:

1. Don’t let your kids think that “green stuff” is bad.If everyone in your family eats broccoli and no one makes a big deal out of it,chances are your child won’t realize that anything is amiss. This has to  includes both parents! If one parent happens to really hate broccoli, maybe that parent needs to try it again for themselves. It’s not really fair to ask your child to eat something you won’t eat yourself. Kids notice everything, and if the veggie in question never makes an appearance  on someone’s plate, they will know.

2.Have a “Try It” rule. Make it a rule that all vegetables must be tried at least once every time it appears on their plate. Some kids will try to use the “I tried it last time and didn’t like it” excuse. With the try it rule, that excuse will not work. In fact, studies show that repeat exposure to new tastes and flavors is often needed before kids will actually  like a new food. In other words, the more othey try it, the greater the chances that they will like it!

3.Have a grocery store adventure! A grocery store Adventure is where each child has to pick out a new vegetable to try. Make it a game! Research the vegetable online when you get home. Look for pictures of the vegetable  to color, check out the history of the vegetable, and the tastiest way to cook and eat it. Getting the kids involved will  increase your chance that they will be excited to try the new vegetable.

4.Think of creative ways to cook each vegetable. If you have only ever served zucchini raw,and your kids hate it,  try it sautéed in butter or olive oil. Cauliflower is good steamed and sprinkled with a little parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs.  It makes the vegetable fun and interesting, (and a little less veggie like) and you kids will be more likely to give it a try without a fight!

5.host a family “color” night. This works better with younger kids. Plan ahead and serve only foods in whatever  color the family has chosen. Purple cauliflower or yellow squash might disappear off the plate if  your kids are having fun. The point is to make a game of it o that way your kids will be excited about finding all kinds of fun foods in different colors.

6. Let the kids cook! Brave the messy kitchen and let them cook (and help clean up). Most kids learn by actually doing and this is no exception. For younger children you can start by mashing cauliflower to make “mashed potatoes”. For the older children you can let them make a salad, or cut up veggies to add to dishes. Your kids are much more likely to try something that they helped make.

Those are my tips on how to get your kids to eat vegetables!

It’s always important to find what works for your family. In order to find this out, it’s your job as a parent to try different ways until one sticks! Kids want your approval, sometimes they just need that little push to do the right thing. Do you have any other great ways on how to get your kids to eat vegetables?

You can also encourage kids to eat vegetables by Letting Them Dip Their Veggies in this Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe!

If you have kids get them into the kitchen with our Recipes Kids Can Make!

Also check out our Free Kids APPS!