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Maybe your little one dislikes veggies across the board. Or perhaps just tomatoes are their arch-nemesis. Either way, getting your child to eat tomatoes is a common struggle for many parents.
These juicy red fruits (yes, tomatoes are technically a fruit) have a distinct taste and texture that can be off-putting to young taste buds. At the same time, tomatoes are packed with important nutrients like Vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene that can benefit your child’s growth and development.
So how can you get your child to eat tomatoes? There are plenty of ways to incorporate this tasty red fruit into your child’s diet without forcing them to eat plain chunks. Learn more ahead.
Introduce Tomatoes in Small Doses
If your child is hesitant about trying tomatoes, start by introducing small amounts into their meals. This could mean adding a few slices on top of a pizza or mixing chopped tomatoes into a pasta sauce. By incorporating small doses of tomatoes into meals they already enjoy, your child may gradually get used to the flavor and texture.
Get Your Child Involved in Growing Tomatoes
Did you know tomatoes are one of the best veggies to grow in the garden with your child? This is because they grow quickly, are low-maintenance, and you can eat them fresh from the vine! Your child will have a sense of pride and accomplishment when they see their own handpicked tomatoes on their plate. As a result, they’ll feel more excited and willing to try the fruit they helped grow.
Make Tomatoes Fun
Transform those boring tomatoes into something fun for your child. Cut them into shapes like stars or hearts. You can also make kabobs with cherry tomatoes and other kid-friendly foods like cheese cubes or mini sausages. Making food fun and visually appealing can sometimes entice children to try new things.
Experiment With Different Recipes
Tomatoes come in various forms: sliced, diced, pureed, or even made into sauces. Experiment with recipes that incorporate tomatoes in different ways. Your child may not like raw tomatoes but might enjoy them in pasta sauce or as a topping on their favorite dish.
Lead by Example
Children often mimic the behavior of those around them, especially their parents. If you want your child to eat tomatoes, make sure you’re also incorporating the fruit into your own meals. Show enthusiasm and enjoyment when eating tomatoes yourself to make your child more curious and open to trying them.
Be Patient and Persistent
Remember that children’s taste preferences can change over time. Even if your child doesn’t like tomatoes now, they may develop a taste for them in the future. Continuously offer options with tomatoes and encourage your child to try them, but don’t force it or make mealtimes a battleground. Be persistent and patient, and eventually, your child may surprise you by happily eating their tomatoes.
Tomatoes are a nutrient-packed fruit that can make a fantastic addition to your child’s diet. The struggle is getting your child to eat tomatoes, but with some patience and creativity, you can make it happen.
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