Do you need a simple game plan to help your fussy eater add more fruit and veggies to their “preferred food” list?

Fussy eaters who get the opportunity to explore veggies away from the table using fun and engaging activities, will eventually choose those veggies or be more open to trying them when they show up on the dinner table.¹

But how do we encourage kids to get hands on with their veggies? It really is as simple as 1,2, 3…or rather counting 1,2, 3. This simple “counting peas” activity is aimed at 3-6 year olds who are going through a fussy eating period.  

 

How to set up the activity:

Choose two veggies or fruits that you would like your fussy eater to try and one that they already like. Choosing a fruit or veggie that they are already comfortable with to demonstrate the activity will get them interested and engaged from the start and more open to explore the other fruit or veggies.

How to play:

·      Use your Bobo&Boo bamboo or plant-based divider plate – this works perfectly for this activity.

·      We used these cute Kmart wooden numbers but you could also print your own. 

·      Choose a simple equation or number and ask your child to count with you and place the corresponding number of peas / carrot rounds / blueberries onto the plate.

·      Have fun and remember there is no pressure to eat the foods, however great if your child wants to!

·      Now ask your child to squish the fruit or veggie and comment on what it feels like. Is it squishy or hard? Is it juicy or dry? 

Engaging your child in fun food activities helps to remove the fear of trying a new food and replaces it with curiosity and confidence!

We would love to hear from you – let us know if you found this activity useful to help your fussy eater add more fruit and veggies to their list.

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Chandani et al.Developing Healthy Food Preferences in Preschool Children Through Taste Exposure, Sensory