By Aura Agape, Wholistic Wellness Consultant, Master Herbalist
Are you having trouble getting your child to eat their
fruits and veggies? Instead of nagging,
try demonstrating. I have no problem getting children to eat and enjoy
vegetables that are in my care and presence. I don’t force or scold them. I just
show them how much I enjoy eating my
own and then I start on theirs (sometimes). I thoroughly enjoy the flavors of raw, juicy,
and crunchy fruits and vegetables. It
doesn’t hurt to eat them with your fingers too. I know that it is not proper
western etiquette to eat a meal, even a portion of it with your fingers but,
when you are working with a toddler or small child, it is more important to
demonstrate how delicious vegetables can be. Usually, even a child that is a fan of veggies
will ask to try for themselves when they see how much I am really enjoying my
food. I see that they even ask for
seconds!
As I take each bite I tell
them not only how yummy they are but, how they help us to be healthy and
strong. We all want to grow up to be healthy and strong don’t we? I like to
throw in a statement that my auntie would tell me about carrots, “…it makes you
pretty!” After that statement was made, carrots
became my new favorite! She didn’t lie either. Carrots do help aid healthy
skin, hair and nails and that helps beauty doesn’t it?
Many children like crunch. Crunch is fun. If your child enjoys chips, crackers, nuts,
and other crunchy snacks then consider providing raw or lightly steamed
vegetables. Fresh is always best. Dehydrated
and frozen fruits and vegetables are also good options. Finally, canned foods
are my personal final choice that I consider best used in emergency situations.
It also helps to share your meals. Any meal that is shared
instantly tastes better. Sit down and eat together. Too often in our busy
so-called modern lifestyles, we forsake the dinner table. Children like to feel
included and to a child, eating off in a corner by themselves is considered a
punishment and that is not appetizing. Also eating in front of the television
is not going to encourage them to form healthy habits either. I understand the occasional
need to put on their favorite video and hand them a healthy snack but, when
introducing new foods or encouraging a healthy habit, it is best done
face-to-face in an inclusive setting. Eating habits are adopted by those who
your child shares meals with. If you are not sharing meals then who is
influencing your child(ren)’s eating habits?
Be Consistent. This may take discipline on YOUR part. With any regimen, consistency is key. Keep in mind that this
may need to be revisited.
One final note before I conclude: Do NOT make any negative statements or expressions. Just because you did not like it as a child may not be the case for the child that you are introducing positive habits to. Children are smarter than many give them credit for. They can tell if you are selling something that you don't even buy yourself. How can you expect them to do what you won't do yourself? If you have healthy habits and are there to model and share in the experience, your child(ren) will too. Make sure that you or any
other adult is mindful not to make any faces or statements about the food being
offered that is contradictory to anything other than this is delicious. If you
eat it and think that it is nasty then you need to examine your own beliefs about
food and why you feel that way. If it is truly unappetizing then it is best prepare
it a different way for improved texture or flavor. Make it fun. Make it colorful. Make it tasty.
http://www.fairandhealthy.com/2014/01/benefits-of-carrots-for-skin-hair-and.html
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