Every mother’s first concern is her child. Whether it is health or education. And when it comes to a toddler it becomes more difficult and challenging for her to choose a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables are the best gems by the nature and they are a very important part of your child’s health. Because of their nutrients, both are helpful in the growth and development of a child.
Babies eat fruit or a vegetable as their first proper meal but as they grow you notice that they are now fussy and not eating properly especially when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Most children do what they see so parents must set an example for their kids you first have to enjoy and eat every kind of fruit, and vegetable in your daily diet. You should not force a child to eat be patient with them it will take some time but it’s the best way for a child to learn so have to keep trying.
Fruits and vegetables carry important vitamins, and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Folic acid. They also contain other plant substances which are considered to play a key role in reducing the risk of cancer, heart, and other diseases.
Offer your child different types of fruits and vegetables every day, not just the ones they like. Their serving can be small or according to the child’s age, appetite, and activity levels. Keep that in mind that any amount is better than none and try to find ways to add more.
If you are going to follow healthy and clean eating habits your child will eventually follow your way keep offering them fruits and vegetables and never assume that your child won’t like any kind of fruit or vegetable because a child’s taste keeps changing with time.
Here are some ways to encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables.
- Involve your child in food preparation and ask them which vegetable they should cook today.
- As they to draw pictures of any fruit and vegetable
- Grow some herbs or vegetables in a pot or on the lawn and tell them to pick them up or give water to them.
- Count out the cherries or grapes together into a bowl.
- If a child refuses food avoid arguments and focus on just telling the positives about the meal.
- Add them to your daily meals such as pasta, and soups instead of searching for new recipes.
- You can add them to daily snacks in many ways like corn on the cob, fruit skewers, jacket potato, pumpkin soup, homemade popcorn, etc.
- Presentation is the first thing that attracts so try to present attractively.
Things to remember:
- For reluctant kids try to introduce new fruit or vegetable once a week.
- Variety is more important than quantity.
- Serving size depends on a child’s age and appetite.
- Never force them to eat.
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