24 Apr 10 Tips for Picky Eaters!
While at a luncheon with our industry partners, two high-schoolers sit next to me eating lunch. Just before the waitress picks up our plates I looked over and noticed that only the lasagna was eaten and those gorgeous vegetables were left behind. As another industry partner asked, “Hey, what’s that left on your plate?” They both looked at him like he was nuts. As the gentleman tried to explain that vegetables are good for our bodies, you could see the interest of these two high-schoolers go right out the door. Could these be picky eaters?
Consequently on Facebook last week I posted a picture of what my school age child actually takes for lunch and people flooded my inbox with questions like “How do you get your kid to eat like that?” These parents have the very common picky eater.
So, the age-old question still exists – how do we get kids to eat vegetables? Most parents will say their kids are just “picky eaters!” I have a few tips that have not only worked for me but work for parents of those picky eaters that I have taught how to apply to their household as well. Remember to stay consistent and don’t give up.
Tip #1
Set a good example! Kids eat what they know. If they are not offered a special meal, they don’t know it’s an option.
Tip #2
Give kids a choice – just make sure both those choices are healthy then it feels more like it’s their idea.
Tip #3
Get them involved – take them to the store or a farmers market and better yet, plant them a garden so it’s more of an honor to eat it then a chore.
Tip #4
Keep them involved – make sure your children know how to prepare these vegetables whether they happen to be cooked or raw.
Tip #5
Vegetables can be bitter to young children with an undeveloped palate so try adding some grass-fed butter which is full of many nutrients that young children need or a yogurt dip.
Tip #6
Try the one bite rule after enough exposure to the food it will begin to become familiar and you never want to create a negative experience with the food.
Tip #7
Make the food fun! Check out Pinterest for some great ideas.
Tip #8
Most people would call this peer pressure, but I call it copycat behavior. Have your child eat vegetables at someone else’s house with someone else’s child it always works.
Tip #9
In this world of technology, let your kids watch a YouTube video of other kids eating vegetables.
Tip #10
Make sure your child fully understands what food does to their body the old saying you are what you eat is true.