Fruits are sweeter than vegetables, so it is not unusual for a child to like them better. It is possible for a child to get all the nutrients that she needs without eating vegetables, but it is difficult. Children should eat about 1½ cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables each day. Fruit and vegetables can be raw, cooked, fresh, canned, or frozen, but go easy on the juice. Encourage your child to try a variety of vegetables. If at first she does not want to eat them, try them several times. Often children have to be exposed to a new food five, 10, or even 15 times before they accept it, so don’t give up on vegetables. Try serving them raw with a small amount of low-fat dip, hummus, or peanut butter. Add them to rice or pasta. Allow your child to choose the vegetables for the family meal. Ask your child to help you pick out some new vegetable recipes to try. Together, visit a farmer’s market, or grow your own vegetables. Set a good example by letting your child see you eating and enjoying a variety of vegetables. Eventually, most children find some vegetables that they will eat.

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