Does your toddler hate vegetables? Or fruit? We share some of the reasons and importance of eating fruits and vegetables.
Why doesn't my child eat vegetables or fruits?
Food phobia, the fear of unfamiliar or new foods, peaks between the ages of two and six. Babies also tend to prefer sweet foods and may find some vegetables off-putting. As a result, they may refuse or eat only a limited selection of fruits and vegetables. Anxious and anxious parents can try different ways to get their children to eat them, but this can exacerbate the problem as mealtimes become stressful and unhappy for the child...and the parents too.
Why is it important for my child to get the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables?
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Children should be encouraged to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables (there are colors of the rainbow to choose from) that provide a rich source of antioxidants, rather than sugary snacks and fast foods that are high in fat and sugar. The vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables provide the following benefits:
Promote good health and protect against disease, both now and in the future.
To ensure the healthy growth and development of the child.
Strengthens the child's immune system and helps fight diseases. There is strong evidence that the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables can prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
The rich fiber content can help in the proper functioning of the digestive system and prevent constipation.
What if my child only eats fruits and no vegetables? Isn't this just as useful?
It is important to note that a child's food preferences may determine her future eating habits. Fruits and vegetables of different colors contain varying amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating only fruit may mean that your child is missing out on the nutrients found in vegetables. Therefore, it is important to obtain the benefits of a wide range of these essential nutrients by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. For example, compared to fruits, most vegetables are better sources of calcium, iron, and folic acid. Also, some fruits have more calories compared to most vegetables. For an overweight child, excessive fruit consumption can lead to weight gain if fruit replaces their vegetable intake.
Is my child allowed to eat only one vegetable for a long time and why? After all, he is getting fiber and eating something!
Likewise, eating just one vegetable means your child is likely to miss out on essential nutrients that are available in other vegetables of different colors. For example, carrots are high in vitamin A, while spinach is high in folic acid. Since food habits and tastes are formed at an early age, it is important for parents to introduce variety into their children's diets from a very young age so that they are less likely to develop nutritional deficiencies in the long term.
5 tips for your child to eat vegetables and fruits
Is your child a picky eater? Here are some tips for him to eat his vegetables. Children, especially those between the ages of two and six, tend to be picky eaters due to fear of food.
It can be frustrating when a child starts picking their food or gets upset when food is presented.
Try and try again
Babies can have different food preferences, which can change from day to day. The most important thing is to be patient and continue to offer your child a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, not just the kind she likes. Don't worry if your child only eats a small amount or doesn't eat at all; keep offering those fruits or vegetables as often as possible and be positive about offering them.
If you don't succeed at first, try again. Some children may need to be offered a new food several times, even 10 or more times, before they try it. The goal is to make mealtime a positive experience and any amount consumed is a step forward.
Just like dad
Parents play an important role in creating a positive eating experience for a child. After all, you are a role model for your child. Eating together as a family means your child has the opportunity to learn and see her parents enjoy a variety of foods.
Well done!
Try to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption by offering non-food or social rewards, such as stickers or one of your child's favorite activities. Keep in mind that a child's serving size may be small and varies based on age, appetite, and activity levels. So start feeding him in manageable portions and gradually increase from there.
Involve your child
You can also increase your child's exposure to and interest in fruits and vegetables while he's shopping by involving him in choosing which fruits and vegetables she wants to eat. It is also a good learning opportunity: it can tell you more about different fruits and vegetables. And when you get home, you can also help wash and prepare fruits and vegetables in the kitchen.
Make it fun and delicious
Children may also have special preferences for the taste, texture, and presentation of their foods. Those who prefer a crunchy texture may do better with raw vegetables rather than cooked.
It can also be more attractive if different colored fruits and vegetables are served together. If your child is also a picky eater, try starting with sweeter, more colorful vegetables like squash, corn, broccoli, or carrots. Add other types of vegetables as your child gets used to eating them.
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