Cutting Vegeatables (© Photographer: Isabel Poulin | Agency: Dreamstime.com)

Getting school-age children to eat healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables is a challenge faced by many American families. Having kids participate in the preparation of healthy dishes is often suggested as a way of getting them to eat more nutritious meals. Now scientists with the Agricultural Research Service Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas, have produced a study offering evidence that having kids participate in cooking really works.

According to an article about the study published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “The recipes most often prepared were Razzle Dazzle (a fruit juice mix), Royal Slush (a fruit slushy), Wizard's Magic Pocket (a pita pocket with vegetables), Great Shake (a fruit smoothie) and Golden Knight Burrito (a vegetarian burrito). Each time, the students returned parent-signed notes reporting whether they prepared a recipe.”

If you’d like to read the USDA article cited above go to: Getting Grade School Kids to Eat More Fruits and Veggies

To view previous posts on this topic go to:
1. Kids Can Be Picky Eaters
2. Junk Foods a Health Risk for Kids