The preschool years are the most formative years of your child’s youth. Practices they learn now and habits they establish will carry through into the rest of their lives, which is why developing healthy eating habits now is so crucial. Getting children to eat their vegetables and make smarter dietary options is a tall order, but not impossible. It starts with a series of small steps that help shape their tastes and opinions on food later. Below are a few of the best ways you can start getting your little one interested, and even excited, about eating healthy.  

Educate Them

Telling your kids to eat their carrots because they’re good for them doesn’t mean much to a preschooler. The more you say it, the less impact it has. Instead, make the process of eating vegetables fun for your child by explaining why carrots, or other vegetables on their plate, are beneficial to them. For example, you can tell them that carrots help them see better or are good their eyes. 

Presentation is Key

If you want to entice your child to eat more fruits and vegetables, find fun ways to do it. Kids like fun shapes and colors, especially preschool-age children, so use that to your advantage. Make silly shapes out of their raw veggies, like happy faces. Look at fun ways to present the healthy foods and kids will be more likely to gobble them up. Celery with peanut butter and raisins, also known as “ants on a log,” has an amusing name to entice your child. You can also stack fruit or vegetables onto skewers or cut up foods with cookie cutters to make eating healthy into an enjoyable experience. 

Make Dessert Part of the Meal

If you are struggling to get them to eat vegetables, you should start rethinking dessert. Desserts don’t have to be a sugar-laden sweet finish to a meal. Instead, it can be a part of the meal and opt for healthier choices like grapes and other fresh fruits, frozen yogurt, or a slice of homemade banana or zucchini bread. Place it on the plate alongside their dinner and let them decide when to eat it. This plan helps in several ways. For one, you get them away from the mentality of seeing food as a reward. You’re also allowing them to make their own choices, which is an essential part of teaching them independence. 

If your child has is ready for preschool and you’re looking at options, consider Lucky Lane Nursery School in St. Louis, MO. The staff at their premier school work hard to create a safe and fun environment for your kids to learn. Visit their website to learn more about their programs and curriculum, or call them today at (314) 434-4462.