23 | Just Take a Bite: How to Get Kids to Embrace Veggies

Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

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"My child won't eat any vegetables!" How many of your parents tell you that during a check up?! Parents feel like they're in a tug of war with their kids when it comes to veggies and they come to the pediatrician looking for answers. So today we're guiding you in the conversation about getting kids to eat their veggies. And no, it's not pressuring them to "just take a bite" and it's not bribing them with dessert. I am joined by Pediatric Registered Dietitian, Leah Hackney, to help me you navigate this universal parental challenge.
In this episode, we unravel the mystery of getting kids to eat their veggies and share practical strategies that will not only make mealtime enjoyable but also lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Developmental Stages: Learn how developmental changes around the one-year mark can impact a child's selectivity in food, especially veggies.
• The Power of Modeling: Discover why modeling healthy eating habits in front of kids is one of the most effective ways to encourage them to embrace a variety of foods.
• Family Meals Matter: Explore the significance of family meals and how incorporating favorite options can create a positive association with trying new foods.
• Food Chaining: Uncover the concept of food chaining, building upon familiar foods to introduce new ones and gradually expanding their palate.
• Avoiding Sneaky Tactics: Leah advises against sneaking veggies into meals, emphasizing the importance of honesty and involving kids in the kitchen.
• Teeny Tiny Portions: Learn the art of introducing minuscule portions, allowing kids to interact with the food at their own pace without overwhelming them.
• Managing Parental Stress: Leah reassures parents that children can meet their nutritional needs over multiple days, relieving the stress associated with daily veggie intake.

Join us for a fun and informative discussion that will transform your approach to pediatric nutrition. Ready to make veggies a source of joy, not frustration? Join us on this journey to raise healthier kids, one meal at a time. So let's start making veggies fun!

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Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

Chapters

1. Strategies for Kids to Eat Vegetables (00:00:00)

2. Strategies for Encouraging Vegetable Eating (00:11:07)

3. Gratitude and Call for Listener Engagement (00:22:58)