The key to getting kids to eat more veg? Make it a part of everyday chat. Discussing veg helps you understand their preferences and turn “no” into “yes.” Get easy tips from Dr. Clare Holley!
The key to getting kids to eat more veg? Make it a part of everyday chat. Discussing veg helps you understand their preferences and turn “no” into “yes.” Get easy tips from Dr. Clare Holley!
One of the most effective ways to get your kids to eat more vegetables is by weaving it into your daily conversations. Talking about veggies not only helps you grasp your child’s preferences but also turns those frustrating “no” moments into positive experiences. With tips from Dr. Clare Holley, you’ll find it’s easier than you think to make veggies a fun part of your family’s routine!
Talking about veg might not feel easy and natural when you first start, but the more you bring it into everyday conversation, the easier it gets, and the more hints you get about your child’s preferences and how best to introduce more veg into their diet! Dr Clare Holley, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology specialising in children’s eating behaviour, shares how to get started…
Why talk about veg?
Talking about veggies with your kids makes them a familiar part of everyday meals, reducing stress around them.
It also helps you understand what they like or dislike about different vegetables—whether it’s texture, taste, colour, or temperature. Use their preferences to prepare veggies in a way they’ll enjoy, like serving crunchy raw or lightly steamed options if they prefer crunchy foods.
What to talk about?
Instead of directly asking if your child likes a vegetable or focusing on taste, start with their other senses. Ask what the veg looks like, what it smells like, or if it reminds them of something fun—like their favourite cartoon character.
This playful approach makes veggies more familiar and less intimidating. If they seem ready, you can eventually ask about taste, but don’t push it. Exploring veggies in different ways helps normalize them and gives you valuable insights.
How to talk about veg?
Keep the experience light-hearted and positive, focusing on what your child likes rather than dislikes. Gently steer them towards their preferences, even if it’s just the colour or shape. Try:
For more sensory activities, ideas, and tips to help kids enjoy veggies, visit our Sensory page.
When to talk about veg?
Whenever you can! Incorporate exploring vegetables into everyday life in fun, small ways. Here’s how:
These small interactions make veggies a familiar part of their routine and can spark their interest.
What if they don't like it?
It’s perfectly normal for kids to dislike certain foods—everyone has their preferences! Focus on the positives and praise their involvement, even if they don’t try or like the veg. Let them know that engaging with veggies is about exploration, not just tasting.
If they don’t like a veg, ask why (make sure it’s more than just because “it’s yucky”) and listen to their specific reasons—whether it’s the look, texture, taste, or smell. Use their feedback to find a veggie that better matches their preferences.
For help, check out our Veg Selector to match their descriptions with veggies they might enjoy.
Dr Clare Holley PhD, FHEA
Clare is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Loughborough University. Her research expertise is around children’s eating behaviour, with a focus on how we can promote healthy eating behaviours and reduce unhealthy eating behaviours. She has a particular passion for all things Veg, and has been researching effective ways of increasing children’s vegetable consumption for 10 years.
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