Getting kids to eat veggies

During a study in 2015 there was some research done around what our Australian
children are eating. The average child eats 5-7% of the amount of vegetables that is required
for them, and 67% of the required intake of fruit. Children require all the nutrients provided by our organic fruits and vegetables for growth, concentration, happiness, sleep and energy. It is imperative that your
children do their best to have a large range of nutrients and expose them to a vast range of nutrients.

A common question I get within my practice is how do I get my children to eat more vegetables.

My top tips for this are:

1. Snack plates – give them lots of colour when they are hungriest
2. Involve them in the cooking
3. Stay neutral

4. Keep on introducing – studies show that a vegetable the child originally
didn’t like may need to be introduced 15 times before they decide to try it
and then 67% of the kids that liked it, continued to like it 6 months later

5. Be the example – show them how to eat in a balanced way

Recipe
Kale Chips
1 bunch of kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt
chop kale into bit sized pieces, try to remove the hard stems if they are around.
Massage the olive oil into the kale so its spread evenly
Sprinkle with salt
Bake in 200C oven for 20 minutes, or until crispy.

References

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/australias-health-
2018/contents/indicators-of-australias-health/fruit-and-vegetable-intake
https://qz.com/701128/the-science-behind-getting-your-kids-to-eat-everything/