It’s mealtime, and your challenge to get picky eaters to eat well. Children have all kind of notions about food. They may not like the color, texture, smell, or taste of the food. Television can play a big role in influencing children about foods they should prefer. Some kids may not like the way the food looks on the plate. There are many factors that can cause a child to react negatively to the food. Here are some strategies you can try to help your child eat better.
* Depending on age, ask your child why a certain food does not appeal to them. Try to think of creative ways to introduce the food in a way that the child will accept. Some vegetables can be included in fruit smoothies or slushies and the child will be unaware that it was included.
* When grocery shopping, describe foods with enticing adjectives such as sweet, crunchy corn, or broccoli as little green trees. Let the kids have input on what you are purchasing. Ask them how they would like the food prepared. Some may eat vegetables raw with a favorite dip. Others might eat peas if they are included in their macaroni and cheese. Carrots can make a great base for a juice.
* Looks can be everything to a young child. Try making fun presentations with your food. Designing the food on a plate can be fun for you and your child. Make the food look like a smiley face or an animal. Create a game eating different parts of the design. Be sure to verbally reward the child for playing along.
* Food combinations can be a great hit when it is snack time. Instead of just a couple of cookies, add a slice of banana and a dab of peanut butter and make a mini sandwich. You can cut an apple into slices and serve with a yogurt dip. Cream or pimento cheese served with celery slices is a timeless favorite. Children often like to help make them and kids are prone to eating what they make.
* Frozen treats made with real fruit are a winner when it is hot outside. Fresh real lemonade or limeade is healthy and refreshing after spending time outdoors or in the pool.
* Children like to learn and cooking is no exception. By finding simple recipes, show children that they can cook simple meals. You can teach them how to follow the recipes and guide them from start to finish. Use recipes that are healthy and tasty. Be sure to serve the dish at the family meal.
* Try substitutes when cooking such as applesauce instead of oil and sugar in your homemade brownies. Real maple syrup and raw honey are great sugar substitutes. Make a baked potato dressing using plain yogurt instead of sour cream.
Be patient with your finicky eaters. Children go through stages with their food preferences. Try not to be negative or use force to get the child to eat. This can prolong their objections to certain foods.
