The Veggie Struggle

Is your child eating enough vegetables?! Or are you even struggling with getting them to eat them in the first place?  Sometimes trying to get your child to even try a new vegetable can be difficult.  There is something about broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, or any other vegetable that is non-appealing to children, and who wouldn't blame them? Anything with lots of sugar tastes better, even us parents would have to agree!  Mommahealth suggests some ways to try and get your child enjoy eating those healthy foods.

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1. Give your child an amount they have to eat.  Using their age as their "vegetable amount" can be very helpful and by starting out with a small amount, your kids will eventually enjoy those greens! You can also try putting more than you want them to eat on their plate so they feel like they don't have to eat them all.
2. Tell them they have to eat their vegetables before they can have what they really want.  Kids will do anything to get that piece of cake sitting in front of them or the freshly baked cookies you just made for dessert, so once you've figured out what they want then use that as a reward for eating their vegetables.
3. Mix vegetables into what you are cooking.  It's amazing at how by adding peas into your pasta or even mixing broccoli and cauliflower into a casserole that your children don't think they are eating vegetables.  
4. Let your child choose.  Give your children options of different vegetables to choose from.  If you give them options then they won't feel like you are forcing a certain vegetable on them.
5. Dip it!  Kids love anything that you can dip things into, and there are so many vegetables that are easy to dip such as carrots, celery, broccoli, pea pods, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and the list goes on.  If your child isn't a dipper then try steaming vegetables to see if that is more satisfying!
6. Involve them in the preparation.  Whether you are getting dinner ready or just putting together a healthy snack, have your children help you get out the veggies and put them ready for the meal.  By having your kids help you with the vegetables you can easily bring up the conversation of why eating vegetables is a healthy choice.
7. Always make vegetables available.  If your kids are wanting a snack, have a healthy spot in the fridge that they can go to filled with vegetables that are easy to take on the go!
8. Eat vegetables yourself.  If you won't even eat vegetables yourself, how do you think you are going to get your kids to enjoy them?  It is important to be an example to your children and incorporate healthy eating into your life as well.

With these helpful tips, you can easily work vegetables into your children's lives.  If you are looking for another easy way to get your child to enjoy eating healthy then try making things out of vegetables.  Here is one of our favorite ways to make healthy eating fun and all you need is:

• Single serving ranch dressings
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Baby carrots
• English cucumbers
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• A large serving tray

Veggie People

By making eating healthy fun, getting vegetables into your child's tummy won't be such a struggle! Parents, do you have any other suggestions or tips that have worked to get your child to eat their vegetables? Please share below!