Getting children to eat their vegies has been a daily struggle for generations of parents.
With 10 per cent of Wyndham residents eating less than one vegetable or none a day and fewer than five per cent eating the recommended five serves a day, it’s time for grown-ups to lead the way.
Dietitian Jessica Bailes says vegetable consumption is critical to a child’s development. “It has an impact on immunity, so children who don’t eat enough of them can get sick,” she said.
“In the long term, if children don’t learn to eat different vegies, it can increase their chances of chronic disease like diabetes, cancer and heart disease later in life.
“It’s important to have good adult role models at the dinner table. If parents refuse to eat vegetables, the children won’t eat them either. Show children it’s enjoyable and make positive comments like, ‘This is my favourite vegetable’ and they’ll see eating vegetables as a good thing, not a punishment.”
But Ms Bailes said it was important not to pressure children into eating vegetables.
“Don’t overwhelm them with foods they don’t like,” she said.
“Offer them small amounts of a few different vegies you want them to just taste. Remember, it may take 10 to 20 tastes for them to like a certain vegetable, so you need to be patient and persevere.
“There are some tricks to get children eating more vegetables. Some children hate certain textures so try different ones like crunchy and soft, and then serve the vegetables the way they prefer.
“Hiding small amounts of grated vegies in sauces, quiches and baked goods is another good idea. Blend in the vegetables; hide them behind other foods, in things like spaghetti bolognese.”
Healthy Together Wyndham supports seven community kitchens across Wyndham City, where residents regularly get together to share and learn cooking skills and prepare healthy, low-cost meals.
The council’s community well-being portfolio holder, Bob Fairclough, said it was predicted 83 per cent of Australian men and 67 per cent of Australian women aged 20 and over would be overweight or obese by 2025.
“Childhood is the time to set up those lifelong healthy habits,” he said.
“Eating meals around the dinner table and mum and dad acting as good vegetable eating role models can make a big difference.”
To find a community kitchen near you, phone Wyndham council on 9742 0777 or e-mail healthycommunities@wyndham.vic.gov.au.
Find out more
Contact the Healthy Communities team at Wyndham City on 9742 0777 or e-mail healthycommunities@wyndham.vic.gov.au.
Healthy Together Wyndham is a joint initiative of Wyndham council and the state government and is supported by Wyndham Star Weekly.
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