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| We had the kids try familiar fruits and veggies as well as some unfamiliar ones. Here we have the colors of the rainbow with pomegranate, oranges, yellow bell pepper, spinach, jicama and blueberry. I also did things like persimmons (when in season) and blood oranges. |
Some tips to help you and your kids get excited about fruits and vegetables:
- Plant a garden and watch them grow- then eat them fresh. There is a big difference in the taste of home grown foods (tomatoes and strawberries for example).
- Let your kids help purchase and prepare them. Here are some fun ideas you can do with your kids when your at the grocery store.
- Choose a variety by getting "the colors of the rainbow". Click here to learn about the health benefits of certain colors of fruits or vegetables.
- Try a new fruit or vegetable each week.
- Learn something unique about them. Example would be, what differentiates a fruit from a vegetable. Learn a little about this here.
- Have a family night where you learn about fruits and vegetables then have a taste test of fruits and vegetables from the colors of the rainbow.
- Have meals that are plant focused rather than meat or protein centered.
- Play games, do puzzles or color pictures about fruits and vegetables. Click here for some kid friendly games. I really like the matching game.
- Remember not to pressure your kids to eat fruits and vegetables and don't have "rewards" (for example, dessert) if they do eat them. Have a relaxed, positive atmosphere. Also, note that a child usually needs to try a new food several times in order to decide if they like it. Not to mention, you will likely have to present the food several times before they even try it. Invite your kids to taste a new food, but don't stress if they refuse- maybe next time.
