
Vegetables can be included in the diet of children very easily with some tricks. List below are some tips that can be followed.
Including vegetables in the
diet of children is a must. They are rich in nutrients that can aid in children’s growth and development. They are also loaded with immune boosting properties. However, making children eat vegetables is not easy. But if parents follow some simple tricks this task can be made simpler. Listed below are few tips and tricks that parents can follow to include vegetables in the
diet of children.
Including Vegetables in Diet of Children
Here is what parents can do to include vegetables in the diet of children.
Mix Vegetables with Dal Rice
Feeding
Dal-Rice to children is a usual practice in Indian households. One of the ways to include vegetables in the diet of children is to mix them with
Dal-Rice. In the beginning children may make a little fuss. Slowly children will start developing liking for the vegetables that are mixed with
Dal and Rice. This combination can be tried with different vegetables. In this way all types of vegetables can be included in the diet of children.
Make Vegetable Wraps
Wrapping cooked vegetables in chapattis is an interesting idea to include vegetables in the diet of children. To make it a tastier
snack option for children, parents can use spreads of their choice. These vegetable wraps can be served with ketchup. Spreading shredded cheese over the vegetables while making these wraps can increase its nutritional value.
Make Parathas
Parathas are easy to make as well as it is one of the healthier options for including vegetables in the diet of children. There are various
vegetables that can be used for making
Parathas. Vegetables like capsicum, cabbage and carrot can be used in their raw form while making
Parathas. Whereas, vegetables like potatoes are required to be cooked before rolling them with wheat flour. Spices like
Garam Masala, cumin-coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder etc, can be used to enhance the taste of the
Parathas.
Get Creative with Vegetables
Vegetables like cucumber, beetroot, carrot that can be eaten raw can be cut in different shapes. Nowadays, vegetable cutters are available in market very easily. These vegetable cutters are available in different shapes like heart shape, star shape, flower shape etc. Such vegetables can be offered in raw form to children. They will surely get motivated to eat, if they are get such raw vegetables in different shapes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Make Vegetable Sandwiches
Once in a while vegetable sandwiches can be made for children. Just like
Parathas a wide variety of vegetables can be used for making these types of sandwiches. Some vegetables are required to be cooked, whereas some vegetables can be sneaked into these
sandwiches in raw form. Such vegetable sandwiches can also be toasted or grilled in order to make them a tastier eating option for snacks. Parents can use brown bread for making this tastier eating option into a healthier eating option as well.
Other Ways to Include Vegetables
Here are some other ways which can be followed to include vegetables in the diet of children.
- Take children for vegetable shopping in order to help them develop liking for vegetables.
- Put vegetables while making different Dals so that even if children do not eat them some of the nutritional values of these vegetables can be added to it.
- Do not stick to just a few recipes while including vegetables in the diet of children, try different healthy recipes so that children do not get bored.
- Once in a while ask them to tell you what they would like to eat.
- Give them options to choose from.
- Take their help in making simple vegetable dishes like vegetable salads etc.
Vegetables can be easily sneaked into the diet of children. Parents must make a note of one thing that they should never force children to eat vegetables. Forcing children to eat is not a good way to feed them. Whatever, they are eating, they must eat happily.
What are some of the easiest ways to include vegetables in the diet of children? Why is it important to include vegetables in the diet of children? Discuss here.