How can I get my child to eat more vegetables?
January 24, 2022 | 25,00 EUR | answered by David Schmitt
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Karl Neumann and I am concerned about my child's nutrition. My son, Max, is 5 years old and hardly eats any vegetables. He constantly prefers to only eat pasta, pizza, or fries, and stubbornly refuses to even try a bite of carrots or broccoli.
I have tried everything to get him to eat more vegetables. I have tried hiding them in other dishes, but he still senses it and doesn't eat it. I have also explained to him how important vegetables are for his health, but he remains stubborn. I am worried that he is not getting enough nutrients and may not develop properly.
Are there perhaps special tricks or strategies that I can use to get Max to eat more vegetables? Do you have tips on how to spark his interest in healthy eating? Or are there certain types of vegetables that are particularly well-suited for children and that he might be more willing to accept?
I would greatly appreciate your help and advice, as my child's health is very important to me. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Karl Neumann
Dear Karl Neumann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a pediatrician. It is understandable that you are concerned about the nutrition of your son Max, as a balanced diet in childhood is crucial for healthy development.
It is not uncommon for children to not like vegetables. Often this is due to the new and unfamiliar texture and taste of vegetables. However, there are various strategies you can try to get Max to eat more vegetables.
A trick that many parents successfully use is to cut vegetables into creative shapes. For example, try cutting the vegetables into fun animal shapes or arranging them brightly on the plate. Children are often curious and adventurous when it comes to new shapes and colors.
Another approach is to involve Max in the preparation of dishes. If he can help with cooking, he may be more willing to try the vegetables that he has prepared with his own hands. You could cook a vegetable casserole or vegetable soup together and discuss the importance of healthy eating.
It may also be helpful to try different ways of preparing vegetables. Perhaps Max doesn't like raw vegetables, but prefers steamed or baked vegetables. Vegetable smoothies are also a good way to make vegetables appealing to children, as the sweet fruits can mask the taste of the vegetables.
When it comes to selecting vegetables, make sure to offer a variety of colors and textures. Colorful vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, or peas are often popular with children. Vegetable sticks with a tasty dip can also be a good way to motivate children to eat vegetables.
It is important to have patience and not put too much pressure on Max. Forcing him to eat vegetables may make him like them even less. Try to approach the topic in a relaxed manner and give Max the chance to discover new foods at his own pace.
Finally, I would recommend that you have regular meals together as a family to create a positive eating atmosphere. Children often learn by imitation, and if they see that the parents enjoy eating vegetables, they will be more motivated to try them too.
I hope these tips help you and that you can get Max to eat more vegetables. If you have any further questions or need support, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
David Schmitt
