Just because it’s organic doesn’t mean it’s not delicious! The healthy stuff can be absolutely delicious. But your children might need some convincing if you are switching them to an organic diet. Here are a few ways to get your children to try — and love — organic food.
Get growing
Children love to be involved with… well, everything. If you want them to like organic fruits and vegetables, why not enlist their help in growing your own organic produce? They will
love getting dirty in the soil and watering the garden. Best of all, when they see the results of their hard work, they will feel a sense of pride — and that’s almost as delicious as the fresh
organic fruits and veggies themselves.
Farm fresh
If you don’t have the time or space to nurture an organic garden, the next best thing is to sleuth out an organic farm near you that allows you to “pick your own.” Again, kids will love the
opportunity to select the food that they will eat. And it doesn’t get much fresher than plucking it right off the tree or out of the ground. At the very least, take your children with you to
the local farmers’ market. Spend time chatting with the vendors about their products, and ask them to explain the growing process to the little ones.
Whatcha got cookin’?
Foster an interest in cooking at an early age. Assign your children age-appropriate kitchen responsibilities when you are preparing meals. Allow them to mix batters, toss salads or crack eggs. As
they do, talk to them about the importance of organic eating.
No big thing
If you are switching to organic items, don’t make a big deal out of it. Chances are, your kids may not even notice. When you prepare a meal, don’t make an alternative meal for the children.
Encourage them to try each new thing you are serving, and if they really don’t like it (after at least four or five bites), then you may have to resort to a substitute. Don’t give up on
that item altogether, however; children typically have to try something many times before they begin to like it.
Don’t give up
As with any new food, kids are going to be skeptical at first. So take it slowly, adding one new organic food item to an otherwise familiar, and well liked, meal.
Splurge
Show your kids how delectable organic foods can be — but don’t offer sweet stuff as a reward for trying some of the more healthful options. Instead, offer an occasional organic treat “just
because.”
Relay the message
Explain the significance of eating organic, whether you are doing so for health reasons or for a more global agenda. If kids can understand the importance of what they are doing, they might be more
inclined to try organic foods.
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