How can I make my 10 yr old daughter eat vegetables?

Laarnie - posted on 07/24/2009

thanks for the ideas.

Lydia - posted on 07/24/2009

no alternatives is good - so is hiding them. I blend vege to go in with other things (sauces, burger patties, meatballs etc) if there are specific vege that some dont like and they never realise that they are in there (button mushroom and zucchini are good coz their flavour blends into others to be undetectable)

Jodi - posted on 07/23/2009

Don't give her an alternative. My kids all eat their vegetables (ages range from 4 up to 16), and they know that if they don't there is nothing else. If they are hungry, they eat. They don't get ANY snacks during the day if they don't eat their dinner. We also began a ritual of after dinner "special treat" from a very young age. They get something special (like maybe a small chocolate, a bowl of ice cream, etc) only if they eat their meal. If they don't eat their meal, its time to clean teeth and straight off to bed.

Whatever you do, don't fall for worrying that she'll starve, so you had better make something she will eat. She won't starve, and she won't learn that way. You can't be cooking different meals for other people in the house. Stick to the "either eat what I cook, or go hungry". She'll eventually get the message.

Erin - posted on 07/23/2009

Having your children grow their vegetables may encourage them to eat them as well? Children learn by example, if your family eats lots of veggies then it is likely your kids will as well, if not then they will likely follow your eating patterns. My son LOVES broccoli & stir fry. Stif fry & corn is about the only way I can get him to eat veggies, that aren't a potato :) but then again, we don't really eat veggies any other way, so it makes sense! You can also find recipes that you can add pureed carrots or such to foods...And most of all, remember that you have to offer a new food item 10-15 times before they may try it or like it!

Jeanette - posted on 07/23/2009

The best thing I ever heard was from my pediatrician... He said... "Starve them... they won't die... but, they will be so hungry, that not only will they eat the veggie, they will eat the stem, greens, etc..." I did that, and it worked like a charm... I offer no snacking during the day and a late dinner now... My kids eat EVERY thing off the plate... My son is in the 99% for height and 75% for weight, so I guarantee, your daughter will be fine. Nothing wrong though with letting her select veggies and have fun coming up with new recipes to make them taste good. Eating healthy doesn't mean eating icky. I like Eating Well Magazine and also look up vegetarian dishes since well, that is all vegans eat are veggies. They have lots of interesting and fun recipes. Butter, lemon pepper, ranch dressing made from plain yogurt/dill/salt/lemon is very good too. You just need to get her in the habit, that is all. Good luck!

Jessica - posted on 07/23/2009

Try hiding vegetables in the food you make to make sure she's getting what she needs. When I make spagetti I buy a spagetti sauce that has chunks of vegetables in it. I don't have much more to offer b/c my son is good about eating his vegetables

Heather - posted on 07/23/2009

Why don't you let her help you select the vegetables she would like to try at the supermarket, or if you have a farmer's market take her there. Also, if you let her help in the meal preparation she will be more likely to eat her veges! You can also use recipes where the veges are hidden, like zucchini bread, etc.--You probably want to think of another name for it!

Kristine - posted on 07/23/2009

Get the new Glad steamer bags and add just a little i cant believe its not butter with a sprinkle of kosher salt, pop in microwave for 3-5 minutes and i promise she will eat the whole bag of veggies.........it does not matter what kind! Those bags are miracles!!!!