(Video uploaded 04/2013)

Transcript

My child does not like vegetables, what can I do?

It is very common to find children not like to eat vegetables. Children are usually willing to eat some vegetables. However, the types that they like tend to be few in number, or they eat only small amount.

To let children eat more vegetables, the most important thing is for you and your family members to set a good example to eat vegetables together with your child. Place the vegetable dish close to your child. If he is willing to try vegetables, praise and encourage him. Let him hold the food to eat and do not mind the method of eating.

You can start by changing your cooking methods, with the aim of creating an appealing dish for your child. For example, you can:

• Choose vegetables that do not have a strong taste, such as, Choy sum.
• Choose leafy greens that have a softer texture, cook the vegetables till they become soft, or chop them into smaller pieces for easier eating.
• Change the cooking method: instead of boiling, try stir-frying or cooking the vegetables with meat stock. You can also add eggs into minced vegetables and turn it into an egg omelette, or cook vegetable soup.
• Add minced vegetables to mashed pumpkin, mashed potatoes, dumplings or rice balls. Try to make the food look appealing.
• Let your child hold the stems of the vegetables or add some low fat salad dressings. Both can also make the vegetables more attractive.

Provide at least two kinds of vegetable for him to choose in each meals. That will increase his chance of eating more vegetables. Let him go to the market with you, let him help wash vegetables or make sandwiches with vegetables. All these help reduce his refusal towards vegetables.