What is an effective method to encourage preschoolers to eat more fruits and vegetables?

Involving preschoolers in the preparation of fruits and vegetables is an effective method to encourage them to eat more of these healthy foods. This approach engages children actively, making them feel like they have a stake in the food they are consuming. When kids participate in activities like washing, peeling, or assembling fruits and vegetables, they often become more curious and open to trying the foods they helped prepare.

This hands-on experience not only increases their exposure to a variety of fruits and vegetables but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and ownership over their food choices. By incorporating sensory experiences—such as touching, smelling, and tasting during the preparation process—children can develop a more positive relationship with these foods.

Other methods, such as slideshows or picture examples, do not provide the same level of engagement or interaction. While drawing pictures may be a fun activity, it doesn't have the direct impact on food exposure and willingness to taste that helping with preparation has. Hence, actively involving children in the cooking or preparation process stands out as a powerful strategy to increase their acceptance and consumption of fruits and vegetables.