5 steps to help your child eat more fruits and vegetables

Not all children enjoy the fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables. If you are having a headache because your baby is too stubborn and refuses to eat these nutritious foods, try these five action steps.

Step 1: Plan and prepare meals with your baby

Planning and preparing meals with your baby will help your baby focus more on what he / she will enjoy. Your baby will become more excited when the next meal is part of their efforts. You can:

Buy fruits and vegetables they like and choose;

Take your baby to buy fruits and vegetables and let them feel the flavors and colors of fruits and vegetables with you;

Have your baby draw pictures and describe food for you;

Let your baby help you clean and prepare fruits and vegetables;

Encourage your baby to cook by letting your child make simple vegetables for himself;

Have your baby sit and count the number of grapes and strawberries in the bowl;

Plant some vegetables or herbs in the garden or in a pot, let your baby water and grow the plants.

 Step 2: Enjoy fruits and vegetables with your baby

You:

Enjoy meals with your baby whenever possible. If your baby sees that you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, she may imitate and follow.

Sometimes your baby may prefer raw vegetables over cooked vegetables, so don't be tempted to cook with the fruits and vegetables your child enjoys.

Your baby may refuse to eat new foods if the mealtime is too stressful for him, so try to focus on the positive aspects of the meal and avoid scolding him.

 Step 3: Present the food beautifully and attractively

You can follow these suggestions:

Always prepare a plate of fresh fruit for your baby. You can also store some veggies like peas, tomatoes, baby carrots and mushrooms in the refrigerator as a substitute for confectionery.

Vegetable and fruit decoration on the plate is beautifully decorated. In addition, you can also feed your baby with colorful fruits and vegetables, cut into shapes, or put the fruits and vegetables on a special plate.

For children with anorexia, offer a new fruit or vegetable test once a week.

Step 4: Bring fruits and vegetables whenever possible

You should:

Offer your baby a variety of fruits and vegetables at most meals and snacks.

Instead of looking for new recipes, try increasing the variety or quantity of vegetables in recipes that your whole family loves.

Step 5: Continue to try to feed your baby with fruits and vegetables

You can follow these suggestions:

Children need time to learn how to eat fruits and vegetables. It is your role to always make fruits and vegetables available to your baby. Remember that your baby may need to see fruits and vegetables more than 10 times before they are ready to taste them.

Always put some vegetables on your child's plate. You should encourage your baby to eat fruits and vegetables, but also let them decide whether or not to eat.

Offer your child raw, crunchy vegetables before the main meal as most babies are very hungry at this time.

Try to avoid replacing meals that you have prepared. Your baby may not eat but then will learn to accept what is offered if there is nothing else to eat.

If your baby is not ready to eat fruits and vegetables, consult a doctor and medical professional for prompt advice and help.