by J Godfrey MS RD

Created on: March 08, 2009   Last Updated: March 09, 2009

Who says toddlers don't like veggies?! When children reject vegetables, it may be from lack of exposure. Odds are that children who don't eat vegetables have parents who don't eat their veggies either. It's too easy to believe that children won't eat healthy foods. Yet, adults play a large role in determining what children will and won't eat. It might help to know that it takes at least 8-10 exposures to a new food before a child is likely to accept it, or even try it. Parents who are willing to introduce a new veggie, multiple times, even if it sits on the plate, will see it tasted eventually. The trick is not to take "the rejection" personally. Let the food's presence be enough until the child is adventurous enough to try it on his or her own terms. Patience, in the end, will yield success.

Another interesting influence is breastfeeding, which passes along the tastes preferred by the mother. Add to that that children's acceptance of specific foods are somewhat genetically determined. This inherited willingness to try foods is influenced by cultural preferences to both taste and texture, but so is the desire for fried foods and fast foods. Expose them and they will develop a taste for it. In the end modelling works in favor of increasing vegetable eating, whereas coaxing a child to eat tends to turn them off, a concept confirmed by Debra Haire-Joshu, Ph.D, who researches food preferences in children.

In the meantime, there's no need to resort to sneaking vegetables into your children, as suggested by Jessica Seinfeld, author of "Deceptively Delicious", among others. Instilling good eating habits begins at the family table. Children take their lead from the adults around them. Having a picky eater who doesn't come close to the US Dietary Guidelines guidelines of 5 fruits and vegetables, can put parents into a tailspin.However, when parents are seen eating-and enjoying vegetables-children usually follow, eventually.

To improve the odds, here are some tips:

> Offer just a tablespoon's worth of a new vegetable so you don't overwhelm the child with a new taste.

> Try stir frying an fresh vegetable with a bit of garlic and olive oil; this tends to be a sure fire bet.

> Incorporate veggies into dishes, like broccoli or peppers and onions in an omelet, or spinach into marinara for pasta.

> Some kids prefer their veggies raw, while others like them better cooked; so try serving the same vegetable in different ways

> Give your child finger-sized portions, little mouth-sized bites, so the vegetable is easy to eat.

Remember-vegetables can be incorporated into any and every meal. Sit down to a family meal and eat your vegetables with the kids. By demonstrating positive eating habits, you're healthy behaviors are likely to be emulated.

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