NANA SAYS FRESH SUMMER FRUIT AND VEGETABLES GIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO INTRODUCE NEW FOOD

 

With all the fresh fruit and vegetables of summer, it is a good opportunity to introduce or reintroduce them to a child's diet. Many children can be "picky" eaters and won't try new foods. Picking fruit with children can be a fun activity. We have many raspberry bushes so our little ones come along with us with their own container to pick the fruit. Since there are no herbicides, they can be eaten without being washed if necessary. Of course, as we all know children will eat right from the bush anyway. Going to local farms with activities for children and letting them buy some fresh items to eat later can be fun. Fresh veggies and dip add another element to the meal. One of my favourites is  peaches and chocolate ice cream. So adding fruit to a favourite ice cream can be another way to have children and even teenagers eat more. Platters or bowls of fruit that are washed and handy to eat can entice family members to try them. Even if the child says he/she does not like something, often seeing other children or adults eating something can be inviting. Especially if an older child likes something, the little one may follow suit. Texture can be an issue for some people. So fresh, cooked, mixed in with other ingredients are ways to include fruit and vegetables in meals. Time to add salad to a child's menu. Let the child build their own salad. Rip the lettuce, add some small tomatoes, slice a cucumber and whatever other ingredients would be wanted. Have the family salad bar handy. If the child just wants the lettuce or cucumbers, so be it. Yes adding some fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries to it makes it fun. One of my strategies with my grandchildren is to have activities that are tiring and at the end of those activities the platter of good food is accessible so they naturally reach for whatever is available- they're hungry.  What really works is not asking a child what they want to eat. Just prepare the food and present it and don't nag. You are a role model. So seeing family members eating foods that are new can be the lesson. Of course a cookie with a glass of milk works too!