Getting kids involved in cooking turns healthy eating into a hands-on experience they are proud of. tures can spark curiosity and turn tasting time into an adventure instead of a chore. Encourage kids to explore one new item each week, talk about where it grows, and describe how it tastes. When trying something unfamiliar feels fun and low pressure, kids are much more open to discovering new favorites. Try fruits such as star fruit, pomegranate, dragon fruit, or persimmons. Plant a Garden If you have space for an outdoor garden, dedicate a small area just for the kids to plant and care for their own fruits and vegetables. If yard space is limited, a small kitchen garden works beautifully too, and even a simple hydroponic setup can feel like a fun science experiment. “Kids are much more invested in foods they have Plant Person Take a bunch of vegetables, put them on the kitchen counter, and ask the kids to make a “plant person.” “Once you’re done,” says Ms. Savage, “it’s a great chance to ask the kids if they want to eat some of their plant person.” Let Them Dip For a healthy afternoon snack, give the kids some food they can dip: fruits and vegetables, whole wheat crackers, or pita. The dip could be fat-free yogurt, salsa, or guacamole. “A great dip makes everything better!” says Aracely Rojas, a dietician. Try New Fruits and Vegetables One of the easiest ways to make healthy eating more exciting is to introduce kids to fruits and vegetables they may have never tried before. New flavors, colors, and tex102 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2026 “Kids are more likely to take an interest in what they eat if it aligns with what they’re passionate about”
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