Do Kids really need vegetables?
If you're anything like me, the perpetual struggle of getting our little ones to munch on those nutrient-packed veggies is a constant concern. As a mum and a seasoned paediatric dietitian, I've embarked on a mission to demystify the enigma surrounding kids and vegetables.
The Unspoken Question: Do Kids Need Veggies?
Let's face it – the question of whether our children truly need vegetables is one many parents shy away from. In my 21 years of experience, I've rarely been asked this question outright. Why? Because, deep down, the truth is, many of us are secretly worried about the answer.
After working with thousands of parents over my 21 years, and experiencing this myself, I know for sure that many parents worry about their child’s lack of veggie intake because we are all taught how important they are for health. …but should we be worried if our kids don't eat any or many veggies?
The Battle of the Broccoli: A Parent's Frustration
One of the most common headaches parents face is the battle at the dinner table over veggies. The struggle is real, trust me; I've been there. I’m the first to admit that it’s such a journey with fussy eaters and it’s really important to understand what our level of expectation should be. … because often there is a real mismatch between what we think our kids should be eating and what our little ones are willing to consume…and this disconnect causes a lot of stress and worry.
The Nutritional Tapestry of Veggies: What Are Kids Missing Out On?
Now, let's delve into the nutritional landscape of vegetables. They're not just green things on the plate; they are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fibre, and phytochemicals. But fear not, if your child's veggie intake is less than ideal, there are alternative sources for these essential nutrients for sure - it’s found in other plant foods predominantly such as fruit, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains.
From Frustration to Feast: A Parent's Journey with Veggies
Last night, as I emptied my son's lunchbox, the untouched veggie compartment stared back at me. I get it – the worry, the stress, the uncertainty. You might think, “ but Karina, your kids probably eat way better than mine”. Let me assure you, some days they do, and some days they don't. It's a work in progress, and I think it’s important to look at their intake through the lens of a nutritionally balanced week, rather than trying to get it all into them over a day.
The Reassuring Reality: Kids Can Survive Without Veggies (for a while)
The million-dollar question – can kids live without vegetables? The answer - probably yes…but it really depends on what else they eat. If your child is on the verge of a veggie crisis, take a breath. Chances are, they're still getting the nutrients they need from other sources. In my latest podcast, I go into ALL the details about what other foods you child can eat instead, to provide the nutrients that they may miss out on if they don’t eat vegetables.
If you resonate with these struggles and worries of feeding kids, there's more wisdom waiting for you. Dive into Episode Nine of The Easy Feed Podcast, where I go deeper into the veggie dilemma, share personal anecdotes, and provide actionable tips for a stress-free feeding journey. Subscribe, listen, and let's make mealtimes enjoyable again!
In the meantime, remember, it's not about perfection; it's about progress. Together, we'll navigate the feeding frenzy and turn it into a feast of nutrition for our little ones. Cheers to happy and healthy eating!
Listen to my podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/do-kids-really-need-vegetables/id1710594874?i=1000637417090