How Can I Get My Kids To Eat More Fruits And Veggies?

(SPM Wire) Getting kids to eat healthfully is all about having the right foods available and making them fun and interesting.

Here are some tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on how to get kids to eat more fruits and vegetables:

* Keep a bowl of fresh fruits on the counter. Refrigerate cut up fruits and vegetables in small bags for easy snacks.

* Serve fruits and vegetables at every meal. Add grated or cut vegetables into entrees, side dishes, and soups. Top off cereal with fruits or add frozen fruits to smoothies.

* Set a good example. Snack on fruit and order low-sodium, low-fat salads, soups, or vegetable sides when at restaurants.

* Pack the refrigerator, freezer and cupboard with pre-cut, frozen and canned vegetables so it's easier to prepare meals and snacks that include vegetables.

* Challenge family members to reach their daily fruits and vegetable goal. Reward the winner with a prize.

* Ask that fruits and vegetables be offered at school functions, after school programs, and in vending machines.

* Let children choose which fruits and vegetables to serve and how to incorporate them into their favorite meals.

* Make them fun. Dress up sandwiches with faces and smiles made from fruits and vegetables.

* Keep trying. For some foods, it may take multiple times before a child acquires a taste for it.

* Encourage friends or relatives to offer vegetables and fruits to your children.

For more tips, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.