Toddler vs vegetables! What do you think of this?

Question

My son has usually been pretty good about eating his vegetables, until recently (he's 2 1/2). It's been a fight to get him to eat even vegetables that he likes and sometimes used to ask for. Last night he took just ooooone bite... and barfed all over the place. That was the third time in two weeks.

So I'm thinking of backing off on the veggies for a while. Maybe upping his fresh fruit to make up for it, and continuing to offer him veggies but not forcing him to eat them.

What do you parents think? I want him to like veggies and get the nutrition he needs. I'd appreciate your input.

Answer 1

Haha! Mine did that too. Used to LOVE broccoli, now cries like I'm trying to KILL HIM! heehee.
Try melting some peanut butter and drizzling it on those veggies. Sometimes it works for us and sometimes not. I started giving him the V-8 juice that tastes like fruit until I got a juicer. Now I slip some veggies in his fresh fruit juice, and have no worries! :D
Sorry for you, and good luck! I think all mommies and daddies go through this worrry!

Answer 2

I wouldn't force them onto him. I would just back off for a bit and offer them, but if he doesn't want to eat them then fine. Yes adding more fruits is also good. Children will get what they need regardless. My Dad is 65 and in awesome health and he said as a kid he never ate a veggie. He was 21 he said before he would even try one. Back then they didn't have vitamins either and he has never had any health issues. I don't think you should worry too much. We have enough things to worry about. You can blend them up and put them like the other poster said in sauce, dressings, dips, etc. Kids can't taste it and are getting their vitamins this way. Is it really worth his throwing up. That can't be good either. Eating should be an enjyable experience and not tramatizing which I think if you did force it and he threw up enough times he may not want to eat at all and that wouldn't be good. Hang in there Mom. Someday he will eat veggies and try new foods. Right now stick to what he likes and try to get some good things into him when you can-hehe.

Answer 3

Make vegetables fun again. I think that he is hoping that this little "show" that he is putting on will allow him some control over what he eats and does not eat. At this age, it is all about boundaries and control. (My 2 and 3 year old boys are testing the waters and seeing what they can and cannot get away with. They are seeing how much control they have over their situations.)
Here are several ideas:
1) Have him help you pick out "His" vegetables at the store. Let him have some of that control.
2) Even if all he will eat is one or two vegetables, it is better than none. Don't make a big deal out of it. Just reintroduce other vegetables on his plate. It might take up to 8 to 10 times before he will try it, but if he keeps seeing it, eventually it will become "familiar" and kids will eat things they recognize.
3) Find different sauces, like a bechemel or salad dressings, for him to dip/cover his vegetables in.
4 You might want to invest in one of those "fancy" choppers that crinkle cut. My kids think they are getting something fun to eat instead of something nutritious.
5 Don't make a huge deal out of what he does not eat and a celebration over what he does eat.
I hope this helps!

Answer 4

As I also have a 2 year old I know exactly what your talking about!! I recently have came upon the idea of making juice smoothies with hidden veggies in there. Carrots, peas, green beans. A serving size (which is usually half a cup) can be hidden in a tasty blend of strong fruity flavors! Put half a cup of peas in a blender with fresh blueberries and apple juice. (or a pre made juice with the veggies.) Also carrot cookies are really tasty and obviously have the veggie factor.

I have also recently purchased liquid vitamins. Add the amount the package describes on the box (probably 1.00mL.) You can put it in food or a liquid beverage. I would suggest juice if your child is finicky. The iron can hold a strong taste, so it could be detected by a picky tot if not concealed well.

Let me know how it works if you try it! This is my Toddler regimine!
Good Luck!

Answer 5

I have always believed that you can offer them but you can not make him eat them. The other thing is fruits and veggies are in the same spot on the food pyramid so if all he wants to eat is fruit right now that is OK he is still getting what he needs but still offer the veggies that is what I do with my kids they have a fruit and a veggie for dinner.

Answer 6

don't force your child to eat something. He might start to resent that food as funny as that might sound. Instead try different options. Kids go through phases. Back off for a couple of weeks and then try to reintroduce. I call broccoli trees and my daughter thinks it's so funny. She also loves green beans because she can get the beans out...or walk around eating them. She loves peas and calls them balls. Have fun with food. If your child doesn't eat veggies for a while it's OK, just keep offering them every now and then. He'll find something he likes.

Answer 7

Kids tend to go through phases with their eating. Try to get him to taste it when possible but don't force him to eat anything. Preparing the vegetable differently or perhaps putting a sprinkle of grated cheese on top might help. Try him on some new veggies or even salads - ranch dressing has been a great helper in our household.

One rule we've kept at our house is that you have to take 1 bite and if you still don't like it then you don't have to eat it. They can then opt for a double helping of the vegetable they do like with the exception of starchy ones.

Answer 8

I would suggest with any food that you offer, but do not force. My girls are 4 and 5 and they love eating everything. I just give incentive if they do eat everything. Like if they clean there plates, then they can watch a movie. or something. good luck. I think you are on the right track with the fruit. Let veggies be available though.

Answer 9

I think its usual for a child this age to change the like and dislike of food choices. My son used to love broccoli but now he doesn't. Try continue give little portion of veggie and fruits. Did he sometimes had a snacks closer to meal time? Maybe he wasn't too hungry? In that case, try skipping snack time and move meal earlier. Hope this works!

Answer 10

Make sure he's on a good daily vitamin. Honesly, everyone should be because it's nearly impossible to get all the vitamins you need every day, with the cooking, the preservatives etc.

Also, consider letting him choose and help cook them! He may just want them raw, or he may be excited about picking out his own.

Lastly, you can always hide veggies if you must. Grated carrot in meatloaf, that sort of thing.