- Kids often fuss over vegetables, greens, fruit and berries
- Parents should set a good example to make kids eat more veggies
- Both mom and dad shouldn't show any dislike to a particular food or vegetable in front of kids
- Therefore, healthy eating parents can raise healthy eating kids
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Details of the Study
The research team studied the consumption of vegetables, fruit and berries, and the family's home food environment, through a survey taken by parents. The study looked at 114 kindergarten-aged children and their parents (100) in Finland. Raw and cooked vegetables and fruit and berries were analyzed separately.
Findings of the Study
The research team found that to a certain degree, the consumption of vegetables is affected by different factors than the consumption of fruit and berries. Maternal example was associated with the consumption of raw and cooked vegetables as well as with the consumption of fruit and berries. Paternal example, on the other hand, was the strongest for cooked vegetables.
The study also showed that dinner is the most important meal at home when it comes to teaching children to eat vegetables. The families participating in the study often ate dinner together, highlighting the role of parental influence on the development of children's dietary choices and preferences.
"Variation can be created by serving raw vegetables, such as the ever-popular cucumber and tomato, accompanied by cooked ones. In fact, many root vegetables, cabbages and squashes are best served cooked," Kähkönen says.
When it comes to eating fruit, evening snacks were the most important meal.
The study shows that many families still eat less vegetables, fruit and berries on average than would be beneficial in view of health promotion. Cooked vegetables and berries were the least eaten food items among the study population.
The Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Eastern Finland studies how food education in early childhood can support good nutrition among children and promote the establishment of healthy dietary habits.
The newly published study was carried out in collaboration between researchers from the Universities of Eastern Finland, Jyväskylä and Turku. The study was funded by the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Fund.
Reference:
- Fruit and vegetable consumption among 3–5-year-old Finnish children and their parents: Is there an association? - (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2020.103886)
Source-Eurekalert