The question
My five-year old won't eat vegetables. We've tried them all, and we've tried every conceivable way to prepare them. Can we just give him fruit?
The answer
I have observed over the past 28 years that many children are "open" to consuming fruits more than vegetables. It may have to do with fruits being sweeter, and some vegetables have a bitter taste.
A small percentage of children also are supertasters (an abnormal aversion to bitter tastes)
Study after study shows two recurring patterns: only 30 per cent of the population get enough vegetables consistently and whatever else have been tried, fails time after time.
Names such as broccoli, Swiss chard, collard, brussel sprouts, cabbage and spinach may cause jokes at the expense of George Bush who hated broccoli ----and was scolded by his mother for admitting that publically--- or Pop Eye the sailor (who tried to tell kids that spinach causes strong muscles)
It is not surprising that you have failed in your efforts. Books such as "The Sneaky Chef" or "Deceptively Delicious" have catchy titles, but the vast majority of children don't find vegetable consumption catchy.
Fresh, natural vegetables provide a wide range of vitamins, anti oxidants and minerals. It is filled with potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, Vitamins C, K and A, folic acid, flavanoids, and phytochemicals (such as lutein, xanthins and beta carotene.)
All of the above antioxidants and phytochemicals have been shown to reduce the risk of various cancers, eye disorders, weak bones, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and obesity. Vegetables are high in fiber.
The combination of fruits and vegetables work synergistically. According to Dr Katz from Yale Medical School, synthetic vitamins don't come close to consuming real, fresh unprocessed produce (See www.healthykids.ca for an interview with Dr Katz)
By now many parents are tired of hearing experts simply say "try harder". It simply fails in the majority of families.
For that reason I am going to suggest trying a fruit juice that combines fruit and vegetables. I recommend Juice Plus, a scientifically studied product, which comes in a convenient and child-friendly fruit and vegetable supplement.
Send pediatrician Peter Nieman your questions at pediatrician@globeandmail.com. He will answer select questions, which could appear in The Globe and Mail and/or on The Globe and Mail web site. Your name will not be published if your question is chosen.
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