Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Picky Eaters

For children to be picky about what they eat is a very common thing. The key is to offer healthy foods and give them some choices. Let them pick and then keep a supply of those things on hand. Of course, a few weeks later they may not like that item anymore so you will need to adjust sometimes.
Always serve one of their favorites at meal time and add nutritious items to go with it. Encourage them to taste every item.
Some children may be snackers and eat a little at a meal and be hungry an hour later. Give them nutritious things at this time rather than candy or chips. Try vegetables with a dip. You can use yogurt instead of sour cream to make a very tasty dip.
Try to encourage your children to eat at set times like 3 main meals and a light snack mid morning and mid afternoon. This habit will be best if there is problem with weight later in life. Having food constantly in front of them causes them to be too focused on food.
Fix things in shapes of letters, numbers, trains and smiley faces. Let them help pick the shape of noodles that you buy. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and lean protein.
Children learn from their parents habits so eat healthy in front of them.

1 comment:

Beth said...

That is some good advise. I've been blessed to have girls who will eat anything not tied down, lol.