How To Get Kids To Eat More Fruit And Vegetables, According To Research

A recent study from Berlin found that extending family meal times by just 10 minutes led children to eat an additional portion of fruits and vegetables. In a clinical trial involving 50 German families with children aged six to 11, longer meal times resulted in increased consumption of produce. Children ate at a slower pace and felt more satisfied after a meal when given extra time at the table.

The study also suggested offering fruits and vegetables in small, bite-sized pieces to make them more accessible and appetizing to children. This, along with creating a positive mealtime experience through things like playing music and setting rules for everyone to stay at the table until finished, can help maximize children's interest in eating healthier foods. Overall, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into children's diets is essential for good health, as they provide essential vitamins and minerals and support a balanced diet that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with processed foods high in sugar, refined carbs, and fat.