Every parent wants to give his/her children all the nutrients they need. But sad to say, not all kids like to eat healthy food, especially vegetables. So, when your children's nutrition normally becomes a sore topic within the household, then follow these helpful tips to prevent mealtime battle with your little picky eaters.
Make their veggies flavorful and fun.
If you're planning to introduce your kids to veggies, then flavor it up and make it fun! Cut your vegetables into different shapes and cook it with butter or any other spices to make it tastier and more pleasant to eat. Serve it on their plate with their favorite sauce, dip or dressing.
Always remember that the eyes eat first, especially to kids. They are attracted to fun-looking and tasty meals. Having that said, try assembling the vegetables into their plate, make some hearts, stars, flowers or any other shapes that come to mind -- be more creative and artistic.
Keep your cool and stay calm and happy.
Toddler's refusal on healthy meals is really frustrating and annoying. But even though they rejected it and would rather play than eat anything at all, just stay calm and don't let your emotions show. Trying to make them eat vegetables wouldn't be easy, but you can persuade them by smiling at them.
Study found out that children most likely eat what their parents are eating especially if they see their parents noshing with a smile and giving pleasant comment about the food their eating. Hence, if you show them that you're upset, such expression or reaction may reinforce to your child that eating vegetables is not appetizing at all.
Be patient with your child.
Don't give up easily if your child keeps on rejecting vegetables. One study said that child will be tempted to try new food after they have been to 15 food exposures.
Don't fret. Just consider these helpful tips and be persistent on it. Eventually, your kids will eat vegetables on their own.
