Feeding an entire family can be difficult
enough on its own with busy evenings full of hustle and bustle. One additional
factor that can cause even more headaches is dealing with a picky eater,
especially a child whose preferred menu ranges from hot dogs to candy.
If you’re looking to widen the palate of your picky eater
(or eaters), consider these tips to start down a path toward a more expansive
slate of family meals.
Start Slow
Loading up your little ones’ plates with steamed veggies and
sauteed fish may be a surefire way to send them to the pantry for a less
nutritious snack. Instead, try combining personal favorites with small portions
of foods you’d like to introduce, such as chicken nuggets alongside green beans
or topping pizza with black olives.
Don’t Force It
While it can be frustrating to constantly hear “no” to
fruits and veggies, forcing them upon children may turn them away for good. In
addition, a struggle over eating certain foods may create a constant sense of frustration
around mealtime, which may only decrease a child’s desire to expand his or her
horizons.
Create a Fun
Experience
Remember not every meal has to include something new. On occasion,
mix up mealtime by serving your children’s favorites, even if it’s as simple as
a hamburger or as creative as breakfast for dinner.
READ MORE: Is your Preschooler a Picky Eater? What to do
Bring Your Sidekicks
to the Store
Introducing your children to the place your family’s food
comes from may help them feel more comfortable with new flavors. Plus, by
letting them in on the shopping process, you can have some help choosing foods they’re
more likely to be willing to try.
Let Children Help
Cook
Much like choosing their own ingredients increases the
likelihood they’ll try something new, perhaps becoming part of the cooking
process can help children see how a meal comes together. It doesn’t have to be
a gourmet experience – simply seasoning roasted asparagus with salt and olive oil,
for example, can introduce your up-and-coming chefs to the kitchen while
helping make the cooking (and eating) process a fun adventure.
For more food tips and kid-friendly recipes, visit Culinary.net.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
(Family Features)(culinary.net)
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