Developing a taste for fruits and vegetables

If I told you I've found the secret to overcoming picky eaters, you'd probably look at me puzzled. How could I have found the secret and NOT SHARED IT YET?!

Unfortunately, there is no "secret." However, there are many ways to encourage children and even adults to develop a love of fruits and vegetables. 

UC CalFresh works with low-income families to encourage healthy food choices through nutrition education and healthy taste testing.

Taste testing has been a helpful tool in providing children and their parents an opportunity to explore foods they wouldn't have otherwise tried. Sometimes they have had the fruit or vegetable before but didn't enjoy the way it was prepared. A fresh approach with a new recipe can mean all the difference! 

For great recipes, check out MyPlate's Pinterest page. They offer recipes like:

Green beans with almond gremolata (pictured above) and provide clever ways to prepare foods like watermelon kabobs (pictured below)

Allow children to take part in developing healthy meals and snacks by giving them a fun name. A child participating in our recent Healthy Lifestyles Fitness Camp shared her favorite healthy snack in her nutrition journal. She enjoys eating what she calls "ants on a raft."

Enjoy the bounty of healthy fruits and vegetables available this season. Try something new! Even better yet, try a food you haven't enjoyed in the past, but prepare and serve it in a new way. 

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