Jennie Garth shares nutrition tips

(FOX Providence) - All of us know how difficult it can be to convince picky eaters to touch the vegetables on their plates.

Actress Jennie Garth , who is a mother of three children and who knows first-hand the importance of instilling lessons about good nutrition, joined The Rhode Show with unique tips on how to help children tackle their fears of this food group and develop a life-long love of veggies.

Some tips from Jennie :

* Fresh from the Farm: Many children think that their veggies come from the grocery store, so show them the real origin of the veggies they eat. Suggest a school field trip to your local farm or farmers’ market to your child’s teacher (and come along as a chaperone).

* Make it a Favorite: Integrate veggies into your children’s favorite dishes. Put a new twist on classic kid-favorites, like making pureed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. And let them dip veggies in something delicious like ranch dressing.

* It’s a Family Affair: Participation leads to anticipation, so have children help in the kitchen as a way to spend time as a family as well as have them involved and interested in what they will eat.