Marian and Zia on Why Kids Should Love Vegetables

True to the “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) aims to propel meaningful initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of Filipino families and children’s love for vegetables with the I love Veggie-licious Campaign with Marian Rivera and daughter Zia.

Building our kids’ health through nutrition is crucial. Preparing vegetable meals at home is a great way to keep children strong and healthy. Vegetables are good sources of potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C, and many others.

Aside from its health benefits, compared to high prices of meat, vegetables are also budget friendly. However, homemakers are faced with the challenge of kid’s aversion to eating veggies.

Encouraging kids to love their veggies is important for several reasons:

Nutrient-Rich: Vegetables are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are crucial for growth and development. They provide the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Health Benefits: A diet rich in vegetables has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Teaching kids to love veggies can set them on a path to lifelong health.

Fiber Content: Vegetables are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy weight, and keeps kids feeling full and satisfied.

Taste Preferences: Developing a love for vegetables at a young age can shape a child’s taste preferences and eating habits for life. It can help them appreciate a wider variety of foods and make healthier choices as they grow older.

Weight Management: Eating a diet rich in vegetables can help children maintain a healthy weight. Veggies are generally lower in calories and fat compared to many other foods, making them an essential part of a balanced diet.

Energy Levels: Nutrient-dense vegetables provide a steady source of energy throughout the day, helping kids stay active and focused.

Immune System Support: Many vegetables are high in vitamins and antioxidants that boost the immune system, helping kids fight off illnesses and infections.

Lifelong Habits: Teaching kids to love vegetables sets the stage for healthy eating habits in adulthood. When children grow up enjoying veggies, they are more likely to continue making healthy food choices.

Environmental Impact: Encouraging kids to eat more vegetables can also help promote sustainable food choices. Plant-based diets tend to have a lower environmental impact compared to diets high in animal products.

Variety and Adventure: Introducing kids to a wide variety of vegetables can be an exciting adventure. It can stimulate their curiosity, creativity, and willingness to try new foods.

To help kids love vegetables, it’s essential to make them appealing, involve children in meal preparation, be a positive role model, and offer a variety of veggies in different forms (raw, steamed, roasted, in soups, etc.). The goal is to create a positive and enjoyable relationship with veggies that will benefit their health and well-being in the long run.

With this goal, Ajinomoto recently launched its new I Love Veggie-licious campaign under Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning brand featuring the well-loved mother-daughter tandem of Marian Rivera-Dantes and Zia.

“We believe that we can change how kids see vegetables in simple and delicious ways. With Aji-Ginisa® making vegetable dishes ginisarap, we aim to help homemakers gain confidence to get their children to eat more veggies to eat well and live well.”
Daryl Magno Marketing Department Head