Getting Teenagers to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Christine Patrick, Senior Agent – EFNEP

Teenagers often have an adverse reaction to being asked to eat fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that giving children choices can increase their fruit and veggie intake by 15.6%! You can provide options by letting children prepare their fruits and vegetables. To keep meals and snacks interesting for teenagers, vary their vegetable choices. Try offering them a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Deep color fruits and vegetables contain the most vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including dark green, deep red, purple, and bright orange or yellow plant food.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program was offered to youth enrolled in Food and Nutrition classes in Bamberg School District One and Two. The “Teen Cuisine” curriculum was used to teach youth life skills to promote optimal health. The curriculum addresses vital concepts about nutrition, food preparation/cooking, food safety, and physical activity by using approaches and strategies to enhance teens’ learning and behavior change. Teen Cuisine aims to empower youth to adopt healthier lifestyles by teaching them the knowledge and skills needed to prepare nutritious snacks and meals at home.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status, and is an equal opportunity employer.