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How to get your picky kids to eat healthy

 

  When we decided that we were going to change our lifestyle to a clean, organic, healthy diet we said to the kids "It's all or nothing!" Our whole family was going in on it. Our children got just as much as a variety of vegetables as we did. Over time we added larger amounts. The kids complained here and there but we let them know, with a positive attitude, how this would benefit their life in the future. They loved hearing words like BIG and STRONG and SICK FREE. 

 

   In some books it says to give options: carrots or broccoli, cauliflower or tomatoes... which you can do or you can say, "Here is your plate of veggies. Eat what you got...or no bed time snack!" It's your choice.

 

It's honestly better to get your kids to eat raw veggies then cooked ones because the vitamins die the longer you cook them for (Carrots are healthier lighty steamed yet still crunchy). If they only like cooked veggies then lightly cook them and add them to rice dishes or pasta dishes or eat them alone with a bit of natural sea salt. If your kids can't stand the taste of steamed vegetables blend them up in sauces. In our house we give our kids veggie plates, loaded with spinach, sprouts, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumber to eat first before the main course. From time to time they ask for a salad instead, which is totally great.

 

 We want them to get into the routine of eating vegetables with one meal a day. We want that to be passed down to their children so they grow up to be healthy as well. Tod and I are trying pave the way for the future. We are thinking ahead.

 

  We set rules at our table. Our rule is - if they finish their veggie plate they can choose to either eat dinner or not eat dinner. Sometimes I cook fancy meals that our son doesn't want (quinoa) so I say, "Okay you don't need to finish your dinner but you don't get any bed time snack." Tough love! 

 

   I don't think a mom should have to cook seperate meals for each family member either. If one child is allergic to dairy or wheat....the whole family isn't eating dairy or wheat. We are a team. I think it is important for a family to be supportive. Since we want our son to eat gluten-free we also eat that way. We buy organic gluten-free buns, chips, bread and pastas. Check out your local bakery. 

 

 A rule that is important for parents - if it isn't in the house then no one can eat it! So when you grocery shop make sure you don't load up your cart with junk! Shop in a health foods store, but that doesn't mean you don't have to check the ingredients. Ingredients to avoid - soy, soy protien, sugar, cane juice and cane sugars, pasteurized milk, hydrogenated oils, white rice, white flour, and salt (natural sea salt is ok).

 

  • Don't give your kids the option to NOT eat veggies. Give the options to eat this veggie or that veggie.



  • Make sure kids have at least one veggie and one fruit in their lunches. If they don't eat them they are their after school snack. 

 

  • When you eat veggies make sure you openly talk about how good you feel, how your muscels are getting stronger and how you feel healthier. Kids listen!



  • Make sure you mention throughout your day how wonderful you feel because of all those healthy foods you eat. It helps kids understand the benefits of eating that way.

 

  • Make dinners where you can include veggies. Such as spaghetti with veggies chopped up super small so they don't notice as much.

 

Also if there are picky parents in the house it will teach the kids they too are allowed to be picky. Words like gross and nasty are strictly banned from our table. Let your kids know how they should act at your table in your home. Place boundaries for your children and be as positive as possible when introducing new healthy meals to the table.

My son is 7 years old and these are his favourite recipes. Please feel free to make them in your home and be proud that you make a change in your families health.

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