Get your kids to eat their greens

09:47 15 February 2011

If your children scream at the sight of sprouts or cry when you offer anything other than chips, then you might need these top tips to get them eating their five a day.

Blend, blend, blend

If you donÂ’t already have a blender, get one. Blending down veggies into sauces is a great way to get your kids eating their greens without them even noticing.

Snacking

Try and phase out chocolate and sweets in favour of healthier options, such as carrot and celery sticks, with houmous and peanut butter for dipping. 

Rewards

DonÂ’t use ice cream or chocolate as a reward for eating up all their greens, as youÂ’re encouraging them to label vegetables as bad food and sweet things as good foods. Instead tell your kids that you will do something fun at the weekend if they finish their peas. 

Eat together

Research has shown that children respond well when you sit down together and eat the same meal, especially if they see you and their brothers and sisters eating up their veg.

They feel grown up and see that thereÂ’s nothing wrong with eating their greens.

The smaller the better

Cut up big chunks of vegetables into bite size pieces to help them look more appetising and less overwhelming; try grating carrot instead of slicing it for example.