ASK THE CPCMG PEDIATRICIAN: Why won’t my child eat vegetables?
Getting kids to eat their vegetables can feel like an uphill battle for many parents. If you’re wondering why your child turns their nose up at broccoli or refuses to try green beans, you’re not alone! Here’s why kids often reject vegetables and tips to encourage healthy eating habits.
Taste and Texture Sensitivity
A child’s taste buds are more sensitive than adults’, especially when it comes to bitter flavors. Many vegetables have a naturally bitter or strong taste that can be off-putting to young palates. Additionally, the texture of some veggies – whether it’s the crunch of raw carrots or the mushiness of cooked spinach – might feel strange or unpleasant to children.
Developmental Phases and Food Neophobia
A natural stage of development for toddlers and preschoolers is food neophobia, where they become wary of new or unfamiliar foods.
Influence of Environment and Role Models
Children learn by watching those around them – this includes eating new foods. If they don’t see parents or caregivers enjoying vegetables regularly, they’re less likely to want to try them. Similarly, if peers or siblings avoid veggies, kids may follow suit.
Five Tips to Help Your Child Embrace Vegetables
1. Start early and keep offering: introduce vegetables early on and keep offering them, even if your child rejects them initially. It can take ten to fifteen exposures to a new food before a child accepts them. Having your child lick or kiss a food they might not want is a great way to help increase exposure
2. Make vegetables fun and appealing: get creative! Try colorful veggie sticks or arrange vegetables into fun shapes or faces on the plate. Adding a dipping sauce is also a great way to make vegetables more fun.
3. Involve kids in meal prep: ask children to help wash, peel, or arrange vegetables. Being part of the process can increase their interest in eating what they helped prepare.
4. Model positive eating habits: eat vegetables yourself and show enthusiasm. Kids often mimic adult behavior.
5. Put veggies into favorite foods: combine vegetables with foods your child already likes, such as mixing spinach into pasta.
Remember, patience and persistence are key — every small step toward trying vegetables is a win! If you have concerns about your child’s eating habits or nutrition, don’t hesitate to reach out to your CPCMG pediatrician.