September is Fruits & Veggies-More Matters Month. The occasion encourages people to eat more fruits and veggies and less sodium, added sugar, and solid fat for a balanced and healthy diet. With the obesity rate on the rise particularly among children, getting your kids to eat more fruits and veggies is essential to fight this trend. Here is why eating more fruits and veggies matters:
- They provide essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and k, potassium, fiber, and magnesium.
- They are associated with reduced risk of many chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
- They are low in calories and can replace high-calorie foods.
Here are some simple tips to help picky eaters eat more fruits and veggies:
- Keep fruits washed and in a visible spot.
- Make fruits and vegetables a part of every meal, for example, add vegetables to your child’s pizza and fruits to cereals.
- Add a piece of fruit or a small salad to your child’s lunchbox.
- Cut back on junk and shop more fruits and veggies instead so your child can have healthier food choices.
- Limit treats and keep them out of sight but do not forbid them totally, for instance, allow ice cream during outings and popcorn at the movies as long as you balance these times with smart food choices and physical activity.
- Involve your children in the cooking process and let them choose the vegetables or fruits they would like to cook or prepare for salads.
- Decorate food with fruits and vegetables as this will add fun to the meal and encourage your child to eat.
- Be a role model to your child and eat more fruits and vegetables.
References
https://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/September+is+Fruits+%26+Veggies–More+Matters+Month
https://www.parents.com/kids/nutrition/healthy-eating/get-your-kids-to-eat-better/