by HealthyNYC.com / distributed by NYC Newswire
Getting picky children to eat healthily can be a challenge, but there are effective strategies to encourage them to embrace a wider range of foods. Here are ten ways to help:
- Involve Them in Meal Preparation: Children are more likely to try foods they’ve helped prepare. Let them pick vegetables to add to meals or assist in simple tasks like stirring or assembling ingredients.
- Introduce New Foods Alongside Favorites: Serve a new or less preferred food alongside something you know they like. This can make the new food seem less intimidating.
- Make Food Fun: Use cookie cutters to create shapes out of fruits, vegetables, or sandwiches, or arrange food on the plate in a creative, appealing way.
- Eat Together as a Family: Children model their behavior on what they see. Eating together as a family can encourage them to try foods they see adults enjoying.
- Offer Choices Within Limits: Instead of asking open-ended questions about what they want to eat, offer a choice between two healthy options. This gives them a sense of control while keeping options nutritious.
- Start with Small Portions: Large portions can be overwhelming, so start with a small amount of new foods alongside more familiar ones.
- Be Patient with New Foods: It can take several exposures to a new food before a child is willing to try it. Don’t give up too quickly.
- Avoid Bribing or Forcing: Using food as a reward or forcing children to eat can create negative associations with eating.
- Educate About Nutrition: Teach them why certain foods are healthy in a fun and engaging way, such as through stories or interactive games.
- Lead by Example: Show enthusiasm for trying and enjoying healthy foods yourself. Your behavior can inspire your children to follow suit.
Implementing these strategies requires patience and consistency, but over time, they can significantly influence your child’s eating habits, leading to a healthier diet and a more positive attitude towards food.
