Picky Eaters

PICKY EATERS

You have them, I have them, we all have them!

You are not alone!

But what do we do besides make multiple meals every evening?

After a long day at work and scrambling to make a healthy meal the last thing you are looking forward to are the picky eaters who don't approve of tonight's dinner! Inevitably it will happen now and then! Here are some tips that I use to introduce new foods to the family!

Picky Eater tips and tricks...

•  DON'T GIVE UP! I know it sounds cliche but  it takes time for kids ( and adults) to try new things and accept them! Sometimes even love them!!!!
• Go in with a POSITIVE attitude! I hear so many parents say "my kids will not eat that"! Guess what they will sometimes surprise you! But the defining factor is they won't like it if you don't offer it to them.
• Don't preach the clean plate club, let them try it and let them have a preference. If my kids try the broccoli and don't like it why would I make them eat it? That's not to say I wont make it again or ask them to try it again in the future! CONSISTENCY!!!!!
• Let them feel EMPOWERED! take them to the store and ask them to pick out a veggie they would like to try! Have them help you with the grocery list and ask them to pick out the fruits and veggies they want in their lunch!
• VARIETY! If they don't like steamed broccoli, try it raw with low fat ranch dip or humus. Then try it in a stir-fry or casserole... you get the picture!!! Don't give up!

 I don't think there is a specific science to this dilemma, just get creative and for gosh sakes don't feed them Mac and Cheese  because that's all you think they will eat! Set the standard and role model these health behaviors for them. Trust me if you are not eating your veggies neither will they!

Remember they are watching you!

*Think back to your childhood! Did you like lots of fruits and veggies? Do you like more now? Have your tastes changed? Did your parents offer you a variety of fresh choices, did they eat healthy? Were you pressured to be a clean plate club member? These are just a few things to think about when working with your picky eater!!!