how can we really teach our kids to eat veggies?

Answer 1

give it to them atleast once a day and nothing else

Answer 2

You can't, kids hate the taste, so it's not a matter of learning. Some kids do eat veggies and find it tasty, like me (when I was a kid of course) ... here's what you can do to "trick them" into eating veggies.

Take a couple of chunks of watermelon, a pineapple slice (the rough skin and everything) maybe a few berries. Then add a couple things of broccoli/califlower and some other vegetable on hand. Mix ice and blend together in a blender or juicer, and you're kids can't taste the veggies, but are still getting all the good stuff from it.

Answer 3

The best way is to introduce them when they are babies, and give them veggies every day. Also, eat them yourself. If you won't eat them, they're certainly not going to.

If they're older, you need to set the example by eating them yourself, and put a bit on their plate every time. Bribe them with dessert and say that you just want them to "try" it, then reward them if they try it. Even if they don't like it, put a bit on every night and ask them to just have a bit. I always put a small amount, then tell them they have to eat half, so it visually appears like an easier task for them.

I had this trouble with my 6 year old and though she still doesn't like many veggies, she's just started eating broccoli and cauliflower in the last couple of months. (I couldn't believe it - it worked!) And now, she doesn't even ask for dessert, she just eats it because she's so used to seeing it, and it's just part of our regular meals.

The other thing is, cut out all other food 2 hours before dinner time. Give them a snack after school like a sandwich or fruit and then keep them really busy, so they don't notice, cause most kids get really hungry at this time of the day. If they are starving, they'll try the veggies, because if they don't, tell them there's no dessert and nothing else to eat or drink until tomorrow morning except water.

Answer 4

Good question. When I was growing up at least one vegetable was on my plate with each meal. We (the entire family) was taught to eat whatever was on our plate. I didn't particular like the veggies but they were OK. There were only a couple that I actually hated.
Fortunately for me that was the case because now as an adult I thoroughly enjoy piratically all veggies and cook with them with a passion. We both (you and I) know how important veggies are in our diets. This is why you must continue with your efforts.
Vigorously explain to them this importance in order for them to have strong bones, good teeth and overall good health. Describe the ill effects of not eating veggies ( like tooth decay and having to loose their teeth, week heart and not being to participate in fun things) etc. Of course you also have to point out the ill effects of bad foods(candy and others as well). Then get a list of the ones they don't hate as much as the others. Demand that they eat a small portion...at least until you can get them to eat more. Set up some kind of small incentive reward system that will guarantee results to name a few.
Good luck!

Answer 5

I read something one time that a nutrionist had the some "trouble" with this with her children. What she has done is what I'm doing with my children with marked success. (My children are 5 and 2.)

Serve them vegetables everyday. Don't make a big deal about them picking at it, at least they're trying it. Eat your portion without too much fuss either. It's just like anything, we need to set an example for them.

I will admit, I've also compromised at meals with my 5yo son. One day, when I served him mixed veggies (peas, corn and carrots), he said he would eat the peas and corn and "not the orange squares." I countered with the peas and corn and 3 carrots. That seemed like a fair trade-off. I'd rather he eat some sort of veggies, rather than none at all!

Answer 6

A difficult task, I know!! I try to make them look as funny and colorful as possible. Another thing is that kids learn by imitating sometimes. If they see you eating your veggies, that may further incline them to do so. I know a lot of parents will fix their kids' plates complete with veggies, then fix their own without a veggie in sight. Can't expect them to eat theirs if you won't do the same (not saying that you yourself do this, just trying to make a point). Good luck with to you.

Answer 7

I gave my children fruits and vegetables from the time they started eating food. I did not give sweets. If you eat them at the same time they do, generally you do not have a problem with them liking them. If they do not like a certain veggie, wait a few days and then try it again. Professionals say it takes trying something new 15 times before you should give up.

Answer 8

My older son does not like veggies but I constantly encourage him to eat them and teach him about how good they are for our bodies. My younger son loves veggies. I never use him as a comparison but I do continue to tell my older son that veggies are very nutritious and I have made a lot of progress with him. He has gone from not eating any veggies at all to now eating peas, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, sundried tomatoes (which is one of his favorites), cooked spinach, green onions, and even small pieces of lettuce. Just continue to gently nudge him and let your kids know how delicious and nutritious they are.

Answer 9

well, you cant really teach them to eat or like veggies. You really needed to get them use to them right from the get go. You feed them baby food out of the jar that is vegetables. Once they are old enough to eat adult veggies, you put lots of butter on it and give them the veggies and let them eat it first and once they finish it then feed them the rest of the meal.
My son loves his veggies.
Good luck.

Answer 10

In my home, everyone eats the same food at the same time. If the adults all are eating a meal and visibly enjoying it, then the kids are more likely to learn to enjoy the same food.

And don't give them other options. When they are hungry, they will eat them. Maybe not all kinds, but they will at least try.

You might be surprised what is a hit and what is a miss. My 2 year old LOVES broccoli and cucumbers, but won't eat zucchini... ???

Answer 11

teach them when they are little. Eat veggie too encourages kids to eat veggies.