Michael Greger: Getting Kids to Eat Their Vegetables

Key Takeaways

• Start early by introducing bitter vegetables (like kale puree) to infants 6-12 months old – they’re more likely to accept them during this sensitive period.
• Focus on vegetables first when introducing solids – offer only vegetables (not mixed with fruits) for the first few weeks to increase later veggie consumption.
• Use repeated exposure – it takes 8-10 tries before children accept new vegetables, so keep offering rejected foods.
• Make greens palatable by blending them into smoothies – preschoolers drank ¾ cup servings of spinach/kale this way.
• Eat family meals together – this is strongly correlated with higher fruit/vegetable intake in children.

Products & Gear Mentioned

• Nourish by Shawn Davis – recommended resource for raising plant-based families

Notable Quotes

“100% of six to 12 month olds took two bites of the plain kale, while only about 50% were willing to take two bites once they were 18 months and older.”

Bottom Line

Start vegetables early, offer them repeatedly, and blend greens into kid-friendly formats while maintaining regular family meals to establish lifelong healthy eating habits.

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