A fascinating study from Cornell University examined 112 different research papers and discovered that successful healthy eaters often make better food choices because fruits and vegetables are made easily accessible, visually appealing, and presented as the default option. “A nutritious diet can be effortlessly achieved by making the healthiest options the most convenient, attractive, and commonplace,” says study author Dr. Max Thompson, who heads the Cornell Food and Brand Lab.
For example, if a school cafeteria places a beautifully arranged fruit bowl right next to a brightly lit register, kids are more likely to choose the fruit over a candy bar from a nearby vending machine. “With these three guiding principles, there are countless ways to encourage healthier eating habits,” Dr. Thompson notes.
If schools want to promote white milk over chocolate milk, they can make white milk more accessible (by positioning it at the front of the cooler), more enticing (by packaging it in a stylish bottle), or more standard (by allocating half of the cooler space to it instead of just a tiny corner). Previous studies led by Dr. Thompson showed that these simple changes boosted white milk consumption by 30-60% in various schools.
So why not start by placing a vibrant fruit bowl on your kitchen table or serving a colorful salad as a side dish during dinner a few nights a week? This can help normalize the idea of eating fruits and veggies. To make the salads even more appealing, serve them in bright, cheerful bowls that catch your kids’ attention. Then, cross your fingers and hope they dig in!
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In summary, making fruits and vegetables an obvious choice for your kids can be as simple as enhancing their visibility and appeal. By rearranging how these healthy options are presented, you’re setting the stage for better eating habits.