It's one of the greatest frustrations in a health conscious person's life - Getting stubborn children to eat vegetables. You know it's good for them. But then they sneer at spinach, laugh at the lettuce, and puke at the thought of bell peppers. Here are a few tips that could get your kids to reconsider one of the most important food groups. Note that the first three tips don't deal directly with vegetables, but rather are advice on how to interact with your child on the subject.

Set a Good Example

It's irritating, but true: When you pass the broccoli slaw for the chicken legs, your kids noticed. They are watching us and learning all the time, although they'll never admit it. If you are constantly going back for braised Brussels sprouts, you are more likely to pique their interest.

Scare 'Em! (a Little)

Tell them there's a reason we're told to eat 5+ servings of fruits and veggies per day - They help prevent disease. Explain in detail some of the diseases one can get from not getting enough of the protective elements such as antioxidants and fiber in fresh (preferably organic) fruits and veggies - especially cancer. They may not start loving veggies overnight, but they will certainly start having more respect for them.

Put Veggies in Perspective

Explain to your kids how 5,000, or even 500 years ago, we didn't have much else to eat but whole foods in their natural forms. There were no Goldfish crackers or Twinkies back then. Mankind created these other "foods" that have no vitamins or nutrients - all they do is taste good. Tell your kids to "get back to nature" and appreciate what was intended for us, and not what was made by man.

Natural Options Prepared Creatively

Eating fresh can mean much more than a few celery sticks and a cup of Ranch dressing. Kids will appreciate 100% all-natural applesauce cups (sometimes with cinnamon), crunchy kale chips baked in the oven at home, and Asian fresh rolls filled with fresh veggies to dip in peanut butter sauce at a restaurant. Scour store shelves, especially in health food stores or aisles, which offer creative wholesome packaged veggie and fruit ideas.

Have Kids Cook with You

Using only fresh and, whenever possible, organic vegetables, have your kids get involved in the preparing of veggie casseroles, side dishes, main dishes, salads, etc. Have them flip through a vegetable cookbook and a recipe that looks appetizing. Remember, the more colorful, the better! If you have your own home garden, have your children help select and harvest foods as they ripen. The more they participate, they more respect they will garner for vegetables and fruits.

Allow the Pros to Help

At restaurants, encourage your children to try dishes with mostly vegetables mixed with different spices. Vegetable-based dishes are common in many Asian cuisines, for example, so look for names like Veggie Stir Fry or Broccoli with Tofu. Chefs know how to cook these common foods in exotic and delicious ways sure to leave your children with good impressions of vegetables.

Patience and Persistence

Try not to resist the temptation to make mealtimes a struggle. If your child is really resistant to trying something, use the "Just One Bite" rule. Try to keep things pleasant during eating time. Make a deal: If they just try one bite and still don't like it, they don't have to eat it. But be persistent. Keep reminding them of why veggies are so virtuous and why it's vital that they eat them. Your words will not be voided!