Parents and caregivers know all too well about secret pet feedings under the dinner table or toddler’s “mysterious lockjaws” when it comes to consuming veggies. The nutritional and health benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption matters to an extent that the United Nations General Assembly designated 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV).
The contribution of fruit and vegetable consumption towards the promotion of diversified, balanced and healthy diets and lifestyles matters to everyone, particularly with an unprecedented global pandemic in our midst and winter creeping in to test immune systems. Here are tips to get fussy eaters to consume more veggies.
Top up
Rather than forcing kids to eat separate portions of veggies, secretly add veggies into their favourite meal. This can be by sneaking in finely chopped veggie bits to their saucy pasta, noodles or pizza toppings. Keep the veggies subtle and add a bit more each time.
Make the circle bigger
Involve your kids in the cooking. Depending on their age, they can help with chopping, mixing, or tasting ingredients as your cook together. By making the meal prep and cooking fun, they may be encouraged to eat their delicacies at the end.
Snack-attack
Rather than letting kids snack on chocolate, chips and fizzy drinks, tactfully pack in some fruits and veggies. Think of potato muffins and pancakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries or vegetable sticks with dipping sauces. Make it fun and tasty.
Browse Potato Nation’s website for hundreds of delicious potato-inspired recipes for the whole family. You can conduct recipe searches by specific ingredients or categories to inspire the foodie in you. There is hope. With a bit of tact, you can help to boost fussy eaters’ health and nutrition – and instil lifelong habits to consume more fruit and vegetables.
