While it’s true that many children have an aversion towards vegetables, you do not have to be resigned in thinking that there are no other options. Reintroducing nutritional education for all learning levels can be fun and interactive. Making vegetables more palatable is not difficult either. Sneaking vegetables into other foods is a great supplemental (or last!) resort.
Most babies love pureed peas, smashed carrots, and sweet potatoes, so why don’t most tots and older children? Some argue that children simply lose the taste for them, especially if they are at all bitter. Others say that pop culture and peer influence plays a huge role. When children see other children or their favorite television characters shunning veggies, they mimic the behavior. When the cool kids are only eating grilled cheese sandwiches, pepperoni pizza, and processed chicken nuggets, they act in turn. After a steady diet of processed meats, sugars, salts, and starches, they are likely to lose their taste for the subtlety, freshness, and sweetness that is inherent in fresh produce.
Most children love hands on activities. Gardening is a great skill that is easy and economical to start. Tots will love digging in the dirt and picking fresh veggies that are ready to eat. Older kids love helping to plan and choose which vegetables they want to nurture. When they feel invested in the process, they will easily fall in love with vegetables. Vegetables are also most flavorful when eaten very fresh so they will be exposed to and ingrained with the most positive aspects of vegetables. It’s a great skill and mentality to give your children.
There are other ways to spruce up veggies too. Lightly sautéing them in healthy olive oil with a little bit of salt and pepper makes almost any veggie tasty. Add sweet onions and a little garlic for a tasty dish. Dips are great too. Strawberry yogurt is delicious with fruit and a light ranch dressing is always fun for kids. Dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, and burritos are great ways of hiding extra veggies that kids won’t even see while gobbling them down.