Teach kids whatto eat

Encourage children to try eating healthy, vitamin-enriched meals that might taste yucky to them by taking it a spoonful at a time.

Encourage children to try eating healthy, vitamin-enriched meals that might taste yucky to them by taking it a spoonful at a time.

Remember that even young children can learn why nutrition is important. You can simply say: "It tastes good and makes you healthy, big and strong."

Some other tricks of the trade:

lAdd vegetables to store-bought foods or to those you've already prepared;

lSet out a plate of raw vegetables or a salad of cold, cooked vegetables before the meal - the time when your child is hungriest.

Keep cherry tomatoes or baby carrots in the fridge for a quick and handy snack;

lServe raw or lightly steamed vegetables with salad dressing or cheese sauce;

lMake mashed sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes since sweet potatoes contain lots of vitamin A;

lServe foods with tomato sauce or stewed tomatoes often;

lTry not to overcook vegetables so that the taste and vitamins are preserved;

lHelp make your child familiar with vegetables and serve them every day;

lPrepare meals together. Younger children can wash and older ones can chop vegetables for stir-fry dishes and salads;

lLet your child help choose vegetables when you're shopping;

lPlant a vegetable garden with your child or just put a small cherry tomato plant in a pot; and

lMost important, set a good example. Remember that your actions will speak louder than words. Besides, parents need their veggies, too! - Raising Children Network