Skip to main content

Adviser
- Adviser
- Get Advice
- Home Loans
- Contact Us
- MyAIA

Search

Back to Top

Your Questions: How do I change my kid's attitude to fruit and veg?

AIA Vitality NZ - 1 min read

31 July 2019

You asked, we answered.

carrots

It's great to offer kids different fruit and veg, but what if their attitude is that they don't eat fruit or veg, period? I've offered my 6-year-old a variety of foods since he was a baby, and still do, but he refuses to try fruit and will only eat peas, potatoes and sweet potato. Any suggestions?

-Helen

Getting kids to eat healthy food is no mean feat. And you're right - tackling their attitude is probably the best way to start. Kids can be notoriously fussy (don't worry, you're not doing anything wrong here), so you need to deploy tactics.

That doesn't mean forcing foods on them - it could mean pairing 'liked' foods with 'disliked' foods, and letting them approach that how they will over a period of time (more on that in the article). It could also mean watching the language you use when talking about food - instead of saying 'you have to eat this [food they don't like] before you can eat this [dessert]', try educating your child on the health benefits of said 'disliked' foods.

If your kid likes running, inform them of the power of leafy greens. Education is key here and it may be a long game, but don't give up. You're leading by example, and if that example is to eat healthily then your child is bound to learn from this.

By AIA Vitality NZ
AIA Vitality Staff writer

AIA Vitality is a personalised, health and wellbeing programme that supports you every day to make healthier lifestyle choices. Visit aiavitality.co.nz

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.