| 1. Start early. Recent research by Forestell & | | | | child doesn't like, consider putting the soup into a |
| Mennella published in the December, 2007 edition of | | | | blender and making a puree out of it. You can always |
| Pediatrics indicates that breastfed babies whose | | | | reserve some veggies that the kids love and add to |
| mothers eat certain foods consistently will more likely | | | | the puree when you serve it. My children loved |
| have children who later accept these same foods | | | | potatoes and carrots, so I would reserve a few to add |
| once weaned. So if you eat healthy vegetables while | | | | to the puree to make it look appetizing. My kids always |
| you're breastfeeding, chances are that your baby will | | | | loved the soups I made, and little did they know they |
| recognize the taste later and enjoy it, too. | | | | had vegetables that they normally would not eat alone. |
| 2. Introduce the vegetables with a positive attitude. A | | | | 6. Be a good role model. Don't start the habit of |
| recent study by Lumeng & Cardinal published | | | | serving different menus for everyone in your |
| online on the May 17, 2007 edition of Chemical Senses | | | | household as you'll end up with a household of picky |
| found that serving foods with a positive message | | | | eaters (and give yourself a whole lot of extra work on |
| increases the ability of the child to better remember | | | | top of it!). If you expect your child to eat the |
| the taste and to rate it higher in taste value. So | | | | vegetables, you should be eating them, too. Children |
| remember to say, "Yummy!" when serving those | | | | learn from their parents, so model the behavior you |
| vegetables and serve with a smile. | | | | wish to produce in your child. |
| 3. Always introduce vegetables before fruits. It's | | | | 7. Involve your children in the meal-making process. |
| human nature to love sweet tasting things, so when | | | | This is a wonderful family-bonding time and children |
| introducing your baby to solid foods, start with | | | | love pretending their grown-up. Being a part of the |
| vegetables first. One vegetable at a time is a good | | | | process increases the chances that your kids will eat it |
| idea. Tip: Don't start with peas or carrots: they are | | | | later, too. |
| naturally sweet so your child will probably love them | | | | 8. If you must, find creative ways to "decorate" your |
| anyway. | | | | vegetables by creating artwork out of the food. |
| 4. Be patient, consistent and persistent. If your baby | | | | 9. Serve salads regularly with your meals and |
| makes a face when you serve that spoonful of green | | | | introduce your kids to low fat dressings at an early |
| beans into his or her mouth, don't give up! Be patient. | | | | age. |
| Your baby will eat it eventually. Too often parents get | | | | 10. If you garden, involve your children in the entire |
| frustrated or are in a hurry so they move on to the | | | | process of tilling, planting, and picking the wonderful |
| fruit. Take your time and try again. | | | | vegetables. They will be more excited about eating the |
| 5. As children get older, make it a habit to start your | | | | finished product and it's a great family bonding time, |
| largest meal with a home-made soup made of | | | | too! |
| nutritious vegetables. If there is a vegetable that your | | | | |