According to the Department of Health and Human Services, only 21 percent of children eat enough vegetables to satisfy the daily requirements. Some children eat vegetables readily while other children are picky eaters, or they only eat certain colors, shapes or textures of foods. Fortunately, for parents, it isn't difficult to encourage children to eat vegetables.
Children who only eat certain shapes, colors or textures of foods can be easily accommodated. Vegetables can be cut into any shape using a vegetable peeler. Vegetables also come in a large array of colors. For those who prefer crunchy foods, vegetable can be left raw or lightly cooked. Kids who prefer soft foods can eat vegetables that were steamed for a long period of time.
Children who find fun in dipping their foods can easily be encouraged to eat their vegetables. Celery and carrots can be dipped in peanut butter. Bell peppers and cucumber taste great dipped in Greek yogurt dip. Most children love ranch dressing, and it tastes great with any vegetable.
Some children only eat pasta. They, too, can be encouraged to eat vegetables. Spaghetti squash, when steamed, and scraped out with a fork, resembles spaghetti strands. Children love it topped with spaghetti sauce and cheese. If never told, most children wouldn't even know it was a vegetable.
If your child is a snacker, he is more likely to eat his vegetables if they are placed in a bowl within reach. Mini bell peppers have a sweet taste and are easy for young children to grasp. Cucumber sticks are also a popular snack among kids. Children are more likely to snack on vegetables if they see you doing the same.
Some children, no matter what, will refuse to eat their vegetables. Fortunately, for you, you can sneak vegetables in their food without them ever knowing. Pureed broccoli can be mixed in spaghetti sauce and shredded carrots can be snuck into muffins. The book Deceptively Delicious, written by Jessica Seinfeld, shares with you the many ways to hide vegetables in your child's favorite foods.
Your child will develop healthy eating habits as long as you encourage them to eat vegetables. They don't have to actually eat them to develop these habits. Even if you end up sneaking vegetables into their food, make sure you place them on their plate as well. Eat your meals as a family and make sure your children see you eat vegetables.