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December 22, 2023

Is it OK if my child eats lots of fruit but no vegetables?

Here are some tips if your kids don’t want to eat their veggies

Does it seem like most vegetables you serve your children end up left on the plate, or worse, strewn across the floor? But mention dessert, and your fruit skewers are polished off in an instant.

Or maybe the carrot and cucumber sticks keep coming home in your child’s lunchbox untouched, yet the orange slices are nowhere to be seen.

If you’re facing these struggles with your child, you’re not alone. Many children prefer fruit to vegetables.

So if your child eats lots of fruit but minimal or no vegetables, is that OK? And how can you get them to eat more veggies?

Children have an innate preference for fruit

The recommended daily intakes for vegetables and fruit depend on a child’s age.

 

Consumption among Australian children falls well below . Around 62.6% of children aged over two meet the recommended daily fruit intake, but only 9% meet the .

This is not surprising given children have a natural preference for fruit. At least in part, this is due to its sweetness and texture, whether crispy, crunchy or juicy. The texture of fruit has been linked to a among children.

Vegetables, on the other hand, are more of an acquired taste, and certain types, such as , can be perceived by children as .

The reason children often prefer fruit over vegetables could also be related to the . Some research has even suggested we develop based on what our mother consumes during pregnancy.

Balance is key

So, a preference for fruit is common. But is it OK if your child eats lots of fruit but little to no vegetables? This is a question we, as dietitians, get asked regularly.

You might be thinking, at least my child is eating fruit. They could be eating no veggies and no fruit. This is true. But while it’s great your child loves fruit, vegetables are just as important as part of a balanced eating pattern.

Vegetables provide us with energy, essential , as well as water and , which help keep our bowels regular. They also support a strong .

If your child is only eating fruit, they are missing some essential nutrients. But the same is true if they are eating only veggies.

Fruit likewise provides the body with a variety of essential , as well as , which can help .

shows healthy consumption of fruit and vegetables protects against chronic diseases including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Consumed together, fruit and vegetables in a variety of colours provide different nutrients we need, some of which we can’t get from other foods. We should encourage kids to eat a “rainbow” of fruit and vegetables each day to support their .

What if my child eats too much fruit?

If your child is eating slightly more fruit than what’s recommended each day, it’s not usually a problem.

Fruit contains natural sugar which is good for you. But too much of a good thing, even if it’s natural, can create problems. Fruit virtually no fat and very little to no protein, both essential for a growing child.

When overindulging in fruit starts to displace other food groups such as vegetables, dairy products and meat, that’s when things can get tricky.

6 tips to get your kids to love vegetables

1. Get them involved

Take your child with you when you go shopping. Let them choose new vegetables. See if you can find vegetables even you haven’t tried, so you’re both having a new experience. Then ask them to help you with preparing or cooking the vegetables using a recipe you have chosen together. This will expose your child to veggies in a positive way and to eat more.

2. Sensory learning

Try to expose your child to vegetables rather than hiding them. Kids are more likely when they see, smell and feel them. This is called sensory learning.

3. Have fun with food

Use colourful vegetables of different sizes and textures. Make them fun by creating scenes or faces on your child’s plate. Add edible flowers or mint for decoration. You can even serve this with a side of veggie-based dip such as hummus or guacamole for some bonus healthy fats.

4. Teach them to grow their own

Teach your child how to . Evidence shows kids are more inclined to try the food they have helped and watched . You don’t need to have a big backyard to do this. A windowsill with a pot plant is a perfect start.

5. Lead by example

Your child learns from you, and your eating habits will . Ensure they see you eating and enjoying veggies, whether in meals or as snacks.

6. Practise persistence

If your child refuses a particular vegetable once, don’t give up. It can take many attempts to encourage children to try a new food.

, Associate Professor, School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, ; , Accredited Practising Dietitian, PhD candidate, , and , Accredited Practising Dietitian, PhD candidate,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

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