It's hard enough getting any teenager to eat healthily, but what should you do with a teenage vegetarian who won't eat vegetables? Our resident natural nutritionist Vardit Kohn offers some cunning tips.

Raisingkids member's problem
My daughter is nearly 14 and has been a 'vegetarian' for about three years. The problem is that she does not eat vegetables! I try to give them to her but she makes excuses like she is full or not hungry and I can tell that she doesn't like them. Her diet is made up of quorn, fish, cheese, pasta and junk food (crisps and chocolate). She also refuses rice. She will not eat breakfast and seems to have no interest in food, forgetting to eat. I don't understand what is going wrong! She didn't have any problems with food as a small child. She doesn't appear underweight but claims that 'food is boring'. She doesn't show the symptoms of anorexia or bulimia but is simply
disinterested in eating. She is what I would call average height and slim built (most of her friends seem like giants). She has her SATS this year and I keep telling her that she has to eat to keep healthy but it does not sink in. Is this some sort of rebellion?

Nutrition expert's advice
It looks like your daughter is making a common mistake of assuming that by going ‘vegetarian’, her diet instantly becomes better. I understand your concerns, because everyone needs a good, balanced diet – with or without meat – and vegetables are a mainstay of a balanced diet.

I would suggest a two-pronged approach. First, have a quiet tête-à-tête with your daughter when you are both relaxed and not in a rush. Explain your worries to her and let her explain why she will not eat certain foods. See if together you can come up with two food lists, however short: one of healthy foods (vegetables, fruit, grains, beans, nuts) that she is willing to eat; the other, of healthy foods she may
be willing to try. Suggest a joint supermarket outing to allow the two of you the chance to explore new options; or a few cooking sessions together, to see if you can come up with some new ideas in the kitchen. The rule of the game is to respect each other’s views. It’s rare for no common ground to be found at all. If your daughter refuses point blank to discuss the subject, then perhaps the problem is more deep seated, and food has just become the battle ground.

Secondly, use what she does eat as a starting point to add other ingredients. Make blended vegetable sauces for fish, quorn and pasta. Try offering dips (like houmous or guacamole) to go with her crisps. Make blended soups and serve with pasta. Add celeriac or parsnips to a potato mash. Do a gratin of veggies in a light cheese sauce. Make fruit smoothies. Or try fruit and vegetable juices (apple and carrot or pineapple and carrot make a nice combination). With patience and an innovative spirit, you’ll eventually get to her.

Lastly, choose your battles carefully. At 14 your daughter has her own mind and may not be easily persuaded, rationally or otherwise, to do as you think right. Get her to take a good multi-vitamin daily, and hope that, with a bit of encouragement, her indifference will soon be a thing of the past.