Let’s be honest: feeding kids can be an absolute nightmare. Anyone who claims their children gobble up everything placed before them is probably stretching the truth. Sure, some kids might be adventurous eaters, but most parents can relate to the struggle, especially when it comes to vegetables. Toss some greens on a child’s plate, and you might as well have thrown them out the window!
For many parents, it can be perplexing trying to figure out the veggie-eating habits of their little ones. Sometimes they’ll eat their greens, and other times it feels like you’re trying to negotiate a peace treaty. So, what’s the big deal with kids and vegetables? There are countless factors at play, from how the veggies look and taste, to their mood, and even past experiences with different vegetables.
Interestingly, a study from researchers at Texas A&M University sheds light on a major reason kids often reject their veggies: competition. When children are presented with a plate that includes enticing options like chicken nuggets or pasta, the veggies are likely to be ignored. The study analyzed the lunch habits of 8,500 kids in schools and found that despite a USDA requirement for vegetables to be included in school lunches, many kids simply discarded them.
According to The Washington Post, the analysis showed that kids are more inclined to eat their veggies when they aren’t overshadowed by more appealing foods. Who can blame them? Adults, too, would probably reach for the fries over the broccoli if given the choice. The difference is that adults tend to have better impulse control when it comes to making healthier choices.
However, there’s hope! Traci Lane, a psychology professor at the University of Minnesota, has proposed a clever strategy known as “get alone with a vegetable.” This approach suggests serving veggies on their own, perhaps as snacks or appetizers, rather than alongside other tantalizing dishes. This way, vegetables face off against nothing, giving them a fair chance to shine.
Lane explains, “When vegetables are served alone, they avoid competition with more delicious foods.” By allowing kids to eat their veggies first, when they’re hungry, they’re less likely to skip them for other options. Research shows this method can significantly increase veggie consumption—one study revealed it quadrupled the amount eaten in school cafeterias!
I’ve found this tactic to be surprisingly effective with my own children. My 6-year-old often devours carrots and cucumbers as snacks. However, when I serve those same veggies with a plate of pasta, they usually go untouched. If you’re battling a picky eater, this technique is certainly worth trying. While there are no guarantees—my preteen would probably scoff at the idea of snacking on green beans—it’s a strategy that could help keep your kids nourished and your sanity intact.
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In summary, if you find yourself struggling to get your children to eat their vegetables, consider serving them alone as a snack or appetizer. This simple strategy could make a significant difference in their willingness to eat those greens, making mealtime a little less stressful for everyone involved.