The Rainbow Game

I think the number one question I get about kid’s nutrition is “How do I get my kids to eat more fruits or vegetables?” Well here’s an idea to get your picky little ones eating more pretty produce… play the rainbow game!

There are many variations, but the basics go like this… make a chart you can hang on the refrigerator. On the left hand side going down label the days of the week. On the top going across, label the colors of rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). The object of the game is to have the kids try one or two new veggies each day. So on Monday when your little one tries something red, put a sticker on the chart where red and Monday meet and make a note of the new item… ie. “Raspberries”.  The object is to get the whole chart filled up and when that’s done, you can offer a little prize (like a little matchbox car etc…). You may want to combine blue and purple to make that category a little easier.

The kids will have fun filling in the chart and will enjoy it even more if you let them help pick the fruits and veggies in the store. The whole game becomes an adventure!

Here are some starter ideas for the colors:

Red: Apples, raspberries, cherries, red peppers, beets, cranberries, pomegranates, red potatoes, radishes, tomatoes, rhubarb, red cabbage

Orange: Apricots, peaches, pumpkin, other winter squash, mangos, carrots, sweet potato, papaya

Yellow: pineapple, yellow peppers, banana, yellow apples, lemons, pears, corn, yellow watermelon

Green: artichokes, broccoli, honeydew, zucchini, green onions, peas, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts, asparagus

Blue: blueberries, blackberries, black currants

Purple: grapes, eggplant, purple heirloom potatoes

Plus there are so many more in the store and farmer’s markets. Be adventurous and have fun!