May 28/Eugene, Ore./Associated Press -- A new study by researchers at the University of Oregon suggests a relatively easy way to get children to eat more vegetables: serve water with meals.

The authors of the study say behavioral research has found people correlate a glass of water with healthy food, and sugary drinks with items from convenience stores and fast-food restaurants.

The study found that preschool children consumed far more vegetables when coupled with a glass of water rather than a glass of soda.

Marketing professor Bettina Cornwell, a co-author of the study, told The Register-Guard newspaper that water is often associated with healthy food, and that frequent consumption of water at the dinner table can create a healthier mindset with children.

 From the May 29, 2012, Prepared Foods’ Daily News