Blog 4: Creative Ways To Get Your Kids Eating Their Veggies

Official figures show that an unbelievable 96% of all Australians don’t eat enough vegetables each day states Nutrition Australia. In addition, The Australian Health 2018 report found more than 99 per cent of kids and 96 per cent of adults don’t eat the recommended intake of five serves of vegetables a day.

Here at Kelly Sports Mini, we know your children's health is important to you, which is why we've done some research and found a few helpful tips and tricks to encourage your young one to grow up loving their veggies!

 

Change the taste

Do you know what’s awesome? Butter, salt, garlic, and bacon. And they're just some ways to dress up veggies. The most common trick is cheesy sauce which is still high in protein and calcium.

 

Make a raw veggie tray

These fruit and veggie trays are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and fun! Slicing up some vegetables only take a few minutes and is great after school or before dinner snack! These rainbow veggie trays are not only colorful but healthy too! These platters also look great on any table.

 

Try different methods

Just because your little one doesn’t like something raw, doesn’t mean they won’t like it steamed, or roasted, mashed, grilled or served up in some other way. Try it. You may be surprised! Just pick a vegetable and do a bit more research.

 

Change the texture by making dips and soups

Cooking is much more fun when you have a friend in the kitchen. Some of our favourite dips are hummus, spicy avocado hummus, or smashed avocado with a dash of lemon. With winter approaching, there are five healthy and hearty soups you can make together! Watch this helpful video fo inspiration.

 

Gamification

If you have the energy, you can make eating veggies a game. You could create a point system for each vegetable type or create at home master chef competitions!

 

Cut them into fun shapes

Depending on your child's age, it could be fun to start teaching them about different ways to cut fruit and veggies. Check out this video for some helpful tips. Remember, you can both use some plastic cutting knives. Otherwise, if they're still a bit young, this video shows some great toy ideas that help your kids understand how to cut fruit and vegetable.

 

Offer Choices

Kids like to feel like they have control, so give them “choices” to choose from. This is work even better if they're at the store with you and can see all the categories and variety of colour. When your child helps you buy and prepare meals, they are far more likely to eat them if they understand the process that goes behind it.

Healthy eating influences healthy development and sets the foundation for a healthy life so it’s important you help your little one on their health journey!

Please share any tips and tricks you have with our coaches when you attend your Kelly Mini Sports session!