Don’t Veg Out, Get Vegs In!

Get your kids to love veggies! Credit: woodleywonderworks

When I first noticed that my husband was a bit picky about eating his vegetables, I made him swear that when we had kids he would not make a fuss about eating veggies, lest the kids find out that not eating veggies is actually an option. Furthermore, I started making him actually try new veggies. I’ve worked and worked on this, and I’m actually succeeding. Apparently, you do have to keep offering veggies over and over until a picky eater grows to like them. Also, you have to roast or grill them (at least in my house)!

This recent article discusses using positive reinforcement to encourage kiddos to eat their veggies. Apparently, rewarding kids for eating their veggies (think stickers) actually got kids to eat more of the veggies even when they knew a reward wouldn’t be offered. For double the health benefit, make rewards active, such as playing a game in the backyard or getting extra time playing an active video game. You can even try gardening together—produce is way more fun to eat when it comes from your own yard!

How do you encourage eating of the vegetables in your home? —Erin