Trying something new, like pomegranate, turns healthy eating into discovery rather than pressure. 100 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2026 Guess the Fruit or Vegetable Turn healthy eating into a playful guessing game. Start by choosing a fruit or vegetable and describing its color, shape, texture, and taste while the kids try to guess what it is. Then switch it up by placing a variety of fruits and vegetables in a bag, having the kids close their eyes, and asking them to pick one. The goal is to identify it by touch and smell alone. “It is a great way to have fun while promoting healthy eating in kids,” says Ms. Savage. “Exploring food with all of their senses moves them closer to trusting and eating that food.” Dessert as a Main Course Put a small portion of dessert on their plates, just enough to keep them hungry and eat the main course. “You’ll be surprised when your child suddenly takes a bite of dessert along with a bite of something else, instead of just gobbling up the dessert,” says Jennifer House, a nutritionist. Follow Their Passions Kids have different passions. Some are interested in certain countries or cultures, others in specific colors or textures. “What’s your child’s current obsession?” asks Katie Kick, the author of Good Life Eats. “Incorporate that into their food.” Kids are more likely to take an interest in what they eat if it aligns with what they’re passionate about. Healthy Recipes How about having the kids collect all their favorite, healthy recipes and make a book out of them? For added fun, each recipe could have a key ingredient starting with a different letter. “Creating your own family recipe book is always a memorable project,” says Ms. Doleac. “Assembling a balanced plate is one of the most practical skills you can teach a child”
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