A new study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland has found that parental example is an important driver in creating good eating habits, including the consumption of fresh, healthy foods like berries.
The study, published in Food Quality and Preference, looked at the home-eating habits of 114 children between three and five years old—when dietary preferences are often formed—and their parents. Researchers discovered that when the mother ate a variety of raw and cooked vegetables, as well as fruit and berries, the children were more likely to follow suit. But the children were more likely to adopt their fathers’ habit of eating cooked vegetables.
As might be expected, the study found that dinner is the most important meal when it comes to teaching children to eat vegetables, served in a variety of forms. It also found that serving berries as a snack is best done in the evening, after dinner.
Of course, if your kids are more likely to eat cooked or combined foods, you’ve still got plenty of options. Try one of these berry-based snacks:
Blueberries or sliced strawberries in a salad
Stewed berries over oatmeal, cereal, or pancakes and waffles
Low-sugar berry compote on toast
Smoothies made from a single-berry for picky eaters, or from multiple berries for more adventurous palates