We all agree that kids can be picky eaters, right? I know that many children love sugar and tasty foods, but when it comes to healthy options, most toddlers refuse to eat them.
While some children may get used to eating vegetables pretty soon, others may struggle with healthy food for a longer time.
It is stressful for parents because we want them to eat nutritious food and it can become a real struggle.
How can we make our toddlers love vegetables?
9 Efficient Ways To Make Toddlers Love Veggies
One of my best friends has a daughter and she never refused vegetables and healthy foods while my toddlers never liked them.
I used to try to make them eat healthy on every occasion but I would always get frustrated when my toddlers would refuse broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, etc.
I was not aware of what I was doing wrong, so I had to ask my friend for help. As soon as I told her about my problem, she shared some amazing advice that I am about to share with you now.
Buckle up and start peeling those potatoes while you read some of the easiest and most effective advice when it comes to toddlers and veggies!
1. Create Tasty Dips
If your toddler does not like how vegetables taste, try mixing a tasty hummus or sour cream sauce and dipping veggies in them.
This will mask the taste and even look interesting to your toddler.
This is a sneaky way to introduce veggies to them and it may even look more colorful if you add turmeric or barbecue sauce.
2. Expose Them To Veggies As Much As You Can
Let your toddlers see veggies each day, during each meal. Try to show them various vegetable options on your plate as well and show how much you enjoy them.
If you can, toys or stickers that look like certain vegetables are also a good idea.
This will make vegetables feel more familiar to them and not something that is only presented when mom is frowning trying to put food in their mouth!
3. Juice Them!
Juicing vegetables is another great option to mask the taste and make the healthy option more fun.
You can always add different colored veggies to make the juices more interesting and presentable.
You can start with safer options such as apples and oranges, and when your child gets used to those, try introducing celery, kale, carrots, etc.
Your toddler will love juices that have different ornaments such as straws, orange twists, umbrellas, etc.
This is a great way to get them used to the taste and get nutrients into their system.
4. Make Smoothies
Smoothies are also a great option if your child likes baby food consistency.
It may be tricky at first because they may feel the taste of the vegetables and refuse to drink them, but try to mask the taste by mixing several veggies together and doing a taste test yourself.
It is similar to juicing, but some children prefer smoothies and usually love drinking them, no matter what’s inside. Also, see what your child likes and stick to that.
5. Veggies As The First Meal
If you want a more direct way of making your toddler eat veggies, then introducing them as the first thing they eat during a meal is a wonderful option.
This will sometimes be weird for them and they will wait for the main course to indulge, but if you are persistent, they will know that this is just a starter and that the yummy part comes later.
6. Serving Veggies Next To A Hated Food
If you know your child does not like broccoli for example, try to serve carrots or cucumber next to it. This will make them choose the other option and they will eat healthy regardless.
It is a sneaky way of making them consume vegetables, but it definitely works!
Also, if they do not like any of the vegetables presented, add pepper or onion so they have something even worse in front of them.
7. Present Veggies In An Interesting Way
If you want your toddler to eat vegetables more often and they love cute and pretty stuff, try to make the dish you are serving more presentable.
Add colors, use veggies to make different shapes, and add dimension and love to your meals.
Your toddler will definitely be more interested in what is presented and try it.
8. Prepare Them As An Outdoor Snack
When your toddler plays outside, they often become thirsty and hungry. Instead of bringing baby food or other snacks with you, try bringing carrots or cucumbers with you.
Also, it helps if you pack them into a nice and colorful box. This way, your child may accept the veggies you brought because of the hunger.
Also, you can bring veggie juice outdoors, so when they are thirsty they may accept it and drink it all. It is a useful tip that I personally used and it worked most of the time.
9. Blend Veggies Into Other Food
Blending vegetables into foods your toddler likes is a wonderful way to mask the taste and make them eat healthier options.
Try adding blended carrots or broccoli to their favorite baby food so they cannot detect the difference.
What can we do, being sneaky is the only way to make our children healthier if they refuse to eat nutritious food.