How to Get Your Kids to Eat Their Veggies

Every kid is different. Some will eat anything you put in front of them, others will eat barely anything. As a parent it can be frustrating to have a "picky eater," but I truly believe that with a little creativity you can get even the most finicky child to eat all kinds of healthy foods. Here are my top ten tried and true tips!

1. Get your children involved in shopping. Nothing makes a kid more excited than doing something themselves. Here's a fun idea, when shopping, give each child the opportunity to pick out a vegetable that they haven't tried yet, or one that is not often used in your house. They will be proud of their choice and eager to eat it.

2. Have your child help with the cooking. It kind of goes along with number one. No matter what age your child is, they can help in some way with the preparation of a meal. Younger children can help with picking out recipes and mixing ingredients, and seasoning. Older children can help with the prep work, and some can even make a dish all by themselves with just a little supervision and guidance. Either way, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and of course they love eating the finished product!

3. Keep trying. So your kid doesn't like steamed Brussels sprouts? They might love them roasted. Raw carrots don't appeal to them? I bet they'll like them candied. Zucchini isn't popular? Throw it on the grill! Try different recipes until you find one that works.

4. Dip it! A little dip never hurt anyone. In fact, a little healthy dip made with Fat Free Greek Yogurt and ranch seasoning makes veggies taste even better. Put it in a cute container and you may be surprised what your child will eat. My 5 year old is a huge fan of raw cauliflower!

5. Grow your own. What's better than picking and then eating your own freshly grown vegetables? My kids are known to eat cherry tomatoes right off the plant. Best of all, I know for a fact that they're pesticide-free.

6. Hide them. I don't think this is the best suggestion, but I don't think it's the worst idea to sneak a few extra veggies into a meal if I can. A little pureed squash in the cream sauce, a little shredded zucchini in the chili, it definitely isn't the worst thing you could hide from your kids.

7. If it's not broke, don't fix it! If your kids loves to crunch on raw baby carrots every day for a snack, let him! Don't take them away in an attempt to get him to try something new. Instead, just add something new alongside the favorite.

8. Ditch the cans. Yeah, canned veggies are good in a pinch, but they lack most of the flavor and texture and nutrients. Frozen is a better choice when you're in a hurry, but fresh is always best, and always the most well received from my family.

9. Get creative with your seasonings. Salt and pepper are yummy, but there are so many other choices. Head to the spice isle and pick out the craziest spice mix you can find and try it next time! You might be surprised at who eats it.

10. When all else fails, add some cheese. Melted, shredded, even Parmesan cheese are all yummy ways to jazz up those veggies and make them really appealing to the kids.

If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to add on!

Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Peas and Thank You blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.