Introduce Kids to Produce Early
Healthy eating habits start from the very beginning!
Make sure your kids make produce and life-long part of
their lifestyle by introducing fresh fruits and vegetables
to them during their earliest months. Babies can begin
to enjoy the great taste and powerful nutrition produce
brings to the table as soon as they can sit up and enjoy
solid foods—at about six months of age.
- Offer pureed vegetables such as squash, peas,
and sweet potatoes as some of your child’s
first foods. You may have to offer a vegetable 7
to 10 times
for your child to gain an appreciation for it—don’t
give up too soon!
- Try vegetables before offering fruits, so
that your baby doesn’t develop a sweet tooth.
A well balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, milk or
formula,
and grain cereals is ideal for the first year of
life.
- Make your own baby foods by running cooked
produce through your food processor. It’s easy,
fast, and affordable. Freeze small portions in ice
cube
trays and
thaw as needed.
- Make extra for baby! Whenever you
serve produce to the adults in your household, puree
a small serving
for baby as well.
It’s fun to introduce your baby to the wonderful
world of fresh produce. But remember that everyone in
your household should be eating well. Keep modeling good
diet behavior by serving fresh produce with every meal.
When your kids grow up eating fresh vegetables and fruits,
they grow up healthier and in the habit of eating well
for life!
|
