Vegetables give children energy, vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and water. They also protect them from serious chronic diseases later in life, including heart disease, stroke and some cancers. Children under eight years of age should receive at least two servings of vegetables each day. A good example on your part, perseverance and encouragement help of course. And if not, then get, with the help of ChatGPT, ten useful tricks:• Roasting and seasoning:
Upgrade the flavor profile of vegetables by grilling them with tempting seasoning. A pinch of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper can turn broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts into irresistible treats.
• Chopped and hidden:
Sneak vegetables into favorite dishes like spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, pancakes, etc. Finely chop them and secretly combine them. Small vegetable refusers will not object to something they do not see. Even as hidden ingredients, vegetables become a powerful nutritional force.
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• Vegetables as snacks:
Vegetables are great snacks. If you stock up on vegetables for snacks instead of unhealthy snacks, your child is more likely to choose vegetables when they're hungry. A bowl of cherry tomatoes, cucumber sticks, red pepper stuffed with natural yogurt, are some delicious examples.
• Early start:
Lay the foundation for a future full of colorful vegetables by introducing vegetables early in children's lives. Start feeding them delicious vegetables at the age of six months, and deepen their acquaintance as they go.
• Extravagant facts:
For older children with a penchant for humor, appeal to their sense of fun. Be informed that certain vegetables, such as broccoli, can lead to active gas. This brazen approach can turn vegetables into a source of amusement.
• Don't boil:
Avoid the culinary pitfalls of boiling chewy vegetables. Look for tempting recipes that preserve texture and flavor. Understand your child's preferences – is it taste, crispiness or appearance?
Vegetables or nothing:
Although it may be challenging, resist the urge to offer alternatives. If vegetables are on the menu, they can eat them or not. This strategy helps assimilate a more varied and healthy taste.
• Timing is everything:
Choose strategic meal planning. When your child is hungry, start with vegetables. Once they've calmed your hunger with the vegetables, reward them with a second course that includes a favorite dish.
Mix them:
Take advantage of blending to blend vegetables seamlessly. Using a blender to make sauces and even meat dishes (meatballs, fillings, etc.) can be an excellent camouflage maneuver. Onions and spinach in meatballs, carrots, garlic and tomatoes in meat and stuffed peppers, are superheroes in disguise.
• Share them:
Make the cooking process a family affair. Involve your child in meal preparation, and even consider growing vegetables together. This hands-on experience fosters a sense of ownership and curiosity.
Maybe she'll also agree to eat, Photo: @rostooleh / Freepik
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