Grow Up Well Nourished -- Satisfy a Picky Eater
Having a child who insists on eating one particular food day after day, or refuses to eat anything green or unfamiliar, can be extremely frustrating for a parent. In fact, it's one of the most common dietary issues pediatricians are asked about.
However, even picky eaters manage to get the calories and nutrients needed to grow and develop, according to a recent study. So instead of battling over every Brussels sprout and bean, focus on making meal times more enjoyable. Always offer a range of nutritious foods, and use patience rather than pressure at the table.
Rather than trying to coax, bribe, nag, or punish your child into eating, use creativity, persistence, and patience.
(Check out these 5 sneaky ways to boost your kids' nutrition.)
Odds are that, over time, your child will slowly add more and more healthy foods to his diet. Try including him in meal planning and preparation; this is a great way to get your child excited about new foods. With time and perseverance, he'll develop a taste for more nutritious and delicious foods.
(Try these fast, healthy recipes that are perfect for busy families.)
Above all, resist the urge to edit your child's menu. It's easy to serve the foods you know your child already likes and avoid others, but by doing so, you're limiting his food choices, not expanding them.
Hint: Serve small amounts of new foods repeatedly, and pair new foods with your child's old favorites. And be patient; it may take as many as fifteen tries before a new food is accepted.
Expanding your child's food choices early in life -- whether through repeated offerings, creative cooking, or changes to mealtime routines -- is one of the best ways to prevent disease down the road. Offering children a variety of healthy, tasty, nutritious foods and beverages also will help prevent dips in energy level and concentration throughout the day.
(Here’s why it’s so important to start early with veggies.)
RealAge Projection: If kids get into the habit of enjoying a diverse mix of foods, they're likely to maintain this eating style as adults. And by getting 4 servings of fruit and vegetables per day as an adult, they could look and feel as much as 4 years younger at age 40.
