2023-05-10 08:14:42
If you’re struggling to get your kids to eat vegetables, don’t panic! A group of researchers has found a technique to achieve this.
Rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals and low in calories, vegetables are good for our health. But they stay children’s worst enemies at mealtime.
Moreover, it is difficult for many parents to eat soups, salads, pan-fried and other vegetable accompaniments. In fact, it is common for children to shun them, even throw tantrums not to eat them. But are there ways to get kids to eat more leafy greens or vegetarian foods?
Some parents invite children to help prepare the meal. While others imagine colorful and playful plates to encourage children to taste. But researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and the University of Mannheim found an even simpler technique within the reach of all parents.
The experiment conducted and its conclusions were published in the specialist journal JAMA Network Open.
Making the meal last 10 minutes longer: a scientifically tested trick
As part of this experiment, the researchers called on 50 children and their parents. On average, the age of the young participants was 8 years old. First, they invited families to enjoy a meal containing vegetables for 20 minutes. Then in a second time, they renewed the experience but this time making the meal last 30 minutes.
They then found that over the longer meal time, the children consumed an average of 100g more vegetables than during the shorter meal. And according to their analysis, this behavior is due to a mechanism in the brain of children.
After a certain period of time, children’s brains would be more encouraged to snack than to eat. If the meal is due longer, then they will tend to eat very small amounts. In fact, they then nibble on what is within their reach.
Adapt the size of the portions of vegetables offered to facilitate “nibbling” at the table
Care must therefore be taken to leave vegetables available on the table. You should also make the meal last 10 minutes longer so that the children eat a little more vegetables. But be careful because for this trick to be really effective, one last point is essential.
In effect, vegetables should be cut into small pieces. They should not exceed the size of a bite appropriate for the age of the child. In this way, a piece of vegetable can become like a small cake in his eyes and he will be more tempted to bite into it.
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