Getting kids to eat their fruits and vegetables

Getting kids to eat their fruits and vegetables

Offer raw vegetables to children over the age of three. Many children don’t like coked, soft vegetables, but they do like crunchy vegetables – especially those they can eat as finger foods. Offer raw broccoli, cauliflower or spinach.

Try some variations on the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Add shredded carrots, sliced apple, banana pear, peach, kiwi, nectarine, berries or celery sticks.

Let children help with cooking. For the salad, they can spin the lettuce in a lettuce spinner, wash tomatoes or celery and then toss them in a large bowl.

In a food processor, add fruit or vegetables to cream cheese or ricotta cheese and blend until thoroughly whipped. The mixture makes a great spread for bagels, English muffins or toast.

Kids pick up habits from their parents and caregivers. Set a good example by eating healthful foods yourself, including plenty of vegetables. If you eat and enjoy your vegetables, children will learn that they taste good.

Just as fruits and vegetables can be fun, desserts can be healthful. Server youngsters fruit yogurt, fruit and grain cookies and muffins.

Source: Nutrition Bulletin, South Dakota Child and Nutrition Services