Turning vegetables into favorite dishes
Children often tend to reject vegetables because of their bitter taste, characteristic smell or fibrous texture. However, with a little creativity, parents can completely help their children eat vegetables without knowing they are eating vegetables.
According to nutritionist Jennifer Anderson, founder of Kids Eat in Color: Instead of forcing children to eat, parents should incorporate vegetables into their childrens familiar dishes. When vegetables appear in eggs, cakes or smoothies, children will be more acceptable and still get enough nutrition".
Some simple suggestions:
Vegetable egg rolls: Mix the eggs with the roasted carrots, spinach and cheese and fry until golden brown. The eye-catching color makes the dish more attractive.
Fruit and vegetable smoothies: Blend spinach, banana and yogurt to create a natural sweetness, easy to drink.
Vegetable pancakes: Grind pumpkin or sweet potatoes, mix with flour, milk and eggs. soft, fragrant dishes, rich in vitamin A and fiber.
Balanced nutrition for breakfast
A good breakfast for children needs to have all four groups of substances: starch, protein, fat and vitamins. Vegetables play an important role in supplementing fiber, helping the digestive system to be healthy.
According to pediatrician Tanya altmann (University of California, USA): Children need to be exposed to vegetables regularly, even with just a small spoon per meal. Repeat will help children gradually get used to the taste and form a healthy eating preference".
Parents can apply nutritional balances:
Pumpkin and shredded chicken oatmeal porridge provides fiber and protein.
The mashed avocado bread with ground spinach is both fatty and has iron.
Vegetable egg noodles, made from pureed vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, amaranth.
Create positive habits for children
Helping children love vegetables requires patience and consistency. Parents should let their children participate in the cooking process, such as washing vegetables or decorating dishes. When children feel like they are a companion, they will be more excited to try new dishes.
Jennifer Anderson emphasized: The secret is not to hide vegetables, but to make children feel that eating vegetables is natural, fun and delicious.
