Vegetables in Meals: To Hide or Not to Hide?

Hiding Vegetables vegetables Rachael Janas Yaffi Lvova RDN

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Nov 30, 12:56 pm

You can almost count on your fingers the number of kids naturally fond of vegetables, as most children don't consider vegetables a treat. Thus, getting kids to eat vegetables can be very challenging for many parents, including carers.

As a parent, you want to encourage your child to eat healthy foods considering that vegetables provide micronutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that would certainly round out your child's healthy diet. Thus, it's only natural for you to help your young kid reach the daily target of servings.

Because of this, a movement that helps parents seek ways to integrate vegetables on the sly has taken root in previous years to hide vegetables in standard kid-friendly packages such as smoothies, casseroles, and muffins.

Many parents also start forming opinions on how to make their children consume vegetables and whether they should hide them.

What are the pros of this method?

Hiding the vegetable on your child's food may inspire your child to consume more vegetables. Hiding vegetables can also make the parents' lives much more manageable, particularly when they have a picky eater.

The main advantage of adding a specific vegetable to your child's meal or snacks is that they sustain more vegetables in their belly. Growing kids require the vitamins and minerals that veggies provide for healthy development.

Very Well Family says one of the pros of this method is lessening mealtime struggles. If your child doesn't eat vegetables and would always prefer fried chicken or pizza for their meal, then hiding vegetables in other foods will work for you and your child, minimizing your stress levels.

Rachael Janas, a Registered Dietitian and the Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs Manager at Nurture Life told the outlet that although hiding vegetables can be beneficial, there is the right time and approach to hide vegetables.

What are the cons of hiding vegetables?

Dr. Janas explained that vegetable intake for juveniles is significant, and the factor in making it a priority for kids is how parents can encourage them to eat vegetables without scaring them.

The dietitian added that kids must always see veggies, whether on a meal or in the fridge, as they will get curious about their taste and gradually think that vegetables are regular, edible, and nutritious.

Yaffi Lvova, RDN, pediatric dietitian, says that kids who typically see vegetables in costumed form won't recognize that they are enjoying and eating a vegetable.

Hiding vegetables in other foods only neglects to teach children to like healthy foods. Hiding the nutrients prevents the child from getting to know their smell, taste, and texture.

When parents hide vegetables, kids will not have a prospect of developing an adventurous outlook when it comes to food.

Moreover, by doing this method, parents gradually harm the child's trust. Children would think that if you are hiding such a thing, what else could you possibly be hiding from them?

Your child may soon catch you as you put and mix vegetables into their food. Thus, The Every Mom suggests introducing vegetables at an early age, and if your child refuses to consume one, stick with your plan and offer some more.