When it comes to picky eaters, no one can match the stubbornness of children. Yes, adults are nit-picking even the minutest details of dishes, but we never really throw loud tantrums because of it.
Right now, we are seeing a healthy revolution. People are getting into gyms, they subscribe to balanced healthy food delivery services instead of fast food, and people are cutting down on calorie intake. But this should also mirror our kids’ diets. There are times when we find it hard to convince them that vegetables are not actually that bad, and often, we fail.
But do not worry, there are proven ways to persuade them to eat vegetables. Here is how:
Set an example by showing them that you are eating vegetables
You cannot expect kids to adapt a healthy lifestyle if you do not act as a role model for them. Almost always, parents are the best influencers of child behaviour. If they see you eating vegetables from the very start, they are going to emulate the same behaviour.
Think about it, kids will not actually be stubborn with food if they grow up with a healthy lifestyle as the norm.
Make the food experience fun for them
There is a reason why some parents play make-believe with kids when they eat, it makes the eating experience fun for them. Yeah, spinach is a little mundane. But if you are a superhero whose power comes from eating spinach, now that makes it exciting.
Additionally, involve them when you are preparing the food. There is a big chance they will eat any food they helped make. It also adds to family bonding time they will surely always remember.
Do not create a negative meal experience
Negative meal experiences include fighting, scolding, or forcing them to finish food they do not want anymore. Use the ‘one-bite rule’ with them. If they do not like a certain dish, make them eat at least one bite. Wait for a few days before serving it again, and then require two bites.
The important thing here is easing them into the diet. Do not force them because fighting with them will just make kids associate vegetables with the bad experience.
Colourful food on the plate can help persuade them to eat vegetables
Remember there are various kinds of vegetables you can serve your kids, make sure they get a taste of each of them.
A colourful plate makes food more appealing. Even as adults, we find certain dishes boring just because they look pretty bleak and bland. Regardless of taste, if it does not look good, your kids will less likely touch it. In the case of food, apparently, appearance holds a lot of weight.
Allow them to indulge in treats
Do not forbid them to eat sweet treats because, as we all know, anything forbidden becomes more appealing. Give them controlled portions of any snacks and treats they want. Keeping them from it will just make them crave for it more. Plus, you are just trying to teach them about eating healthy, so there is no need to not remove any kind of comfort food if it is controlled.
These tips are sure-fire ways to get your kids eating healthy in no time. But remember that this will not work if you do not live the healthy lifestyle as well. Be active and be supportive of each other, that is what healthy families should be.
It’s also recommended that you get regular health checks with your doctors. If you’re currently looking for reliable medical experts, you can search for terms like ‘dentist near me Kissimmee’ or ‘physician in Illinois” on the internet, and it should provide some options.
