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Kids who lend a hand in the kitchen are more likely to make healthy food choices, according to a recent University of Alberta study.

The Canadian university surveyed fifth graders in 151 schools to learn about kids’ cooking experiences and food choices. “Kids who like fruits and vegetables more tend to eat them more frequently and have better diets,” said lead author Yen Li Chu, a post-doctoral fellow in the School of Public Health, in a recent interview. “These data show that encouraging kids to get involved in meal preparation could be an effective health promotion strategy for schools and parents.”

For the most part, children preferred fruits to vegetables, but those who helped with the cooking at home showed a greater preference for both, with a 10 percent higher interest in vegetables compared to their non-cooking counterparts. The research also showed those “who did meal prep and cooking were more confident about the importance of making healthier food choices,” according to the same article.

Kid-Friendly Recipes (to make with your kids!):

• Easy Breakfast Burritos
• Giada’s Turkey Meatballs
• Kid Friendly Crudites

Tell us: Do you cook with your kids?