How to Expand Your Picky Eater’s Palate
Children are notorious for being picky eaters. Sometimes they grow out of these habits, and other times they carry them into their teens or even adulthood. As a partner of the Together CountsTM program, EatToWinGame understands the importance of balanced nutrition for a healthy and active lifestyle.
First, Rule out Allergies
Before you get too upset that your kids never want to eat certain foods, make sure they don’t have a serious allergy to the food you want them to eat. Younger children might not be able to express why they do not like certain foods. Perhaps the food gave your child an upset stomach last time she tried the dish, but she isn’t quite able to express that yet. Check with your doctor on the most common food allergies for kids and make any menu planning adjustments once you’ve cleared any medical concerns.
Don’t Force it
It’s important for kids to get enough nutrients to grow up healthy and strong, but it’s not the end of the world if they don’t eat everything that’s on their plate at every meal. Encourage kids to try one bite to get them to taste a variety of foods, and remember – no one likes every food they’re introduced to, and kids are no exception.
Turn it into a Game
Kids love games more than almost anything else. Their imaginations are constantly running, so fuel that creativity with a few dinnertime games. If you turn dinner into an adventure, your child might be more interested in picking up nutritious foods and tasting them. One fun game for kids that often works is the dare. This works best if another child in the family initiates it. For example, your daughter says, “I dare you to eat your broccoli.” Your son responds with, “I’ll eat my broccoli if you eat your chicken.” Your kids are eating the food they claim to hate because they want to see their sibling squirm.
Prepare Meals Together
One way to get your kids to expand their palates is to have them help you make dinner. Ask for help in choosing what side dish will go with the meal, and task the kids with supervised prep duties like washing or chopping. They’ll be proud of their creations and more interested in eating what they helped to prepare.
One or all of these can help your child become a less picky eater. Getting your children involved in the process or allowing them to have fun with eating can change their mindset.
This post was brought to you by a Together CountsTM partner. Eat to Win Game was created by a concerned mom whose own child struggled with being overweight. Eat to Win was created to help encourage nutrition and exercise through fun and active games.
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