My 4-year-old refuses to eat any veggies. How can I make sure she gets enough nutrients each day?
– Ellie

Start off by setting a good example by eating a nutritious diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Then, simply use your imagination. Try chopping up veggies (such as carrots or zucchini) and putting them in foods like muffins or pancakes. You can also try dressing up veggies with something she enjoys — add cheese to broccoli, for example, or peanut butter to celery, or have her dip veggie sticks in yogurt.

Sometimes, all it takes is a fun arrangement to get kids eating. Make up a plate of mini foods (baby carrots, baby corn, cherry tomatoes, etc.) or make a face out of vegetables, complete with peas for eyes, a carrot for the nose, and sprouts for hair.

For more information, check out these articles:
Healthy Eating
Healthy Food Shopping
Produce Precautions
Nutrition Guide for Toddlers
Toddlers at the Table: Avoiding Power Struggles

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD

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