If you have picky eaters? If so, then you know what a struggle it can be to make sure they get a balanced diet. We all need to eat a variety of foods so we can get all of the vitamins, minerals, carbs, protein, fat and fiber that we need to stay healthy. That can feel like an impossible task when we have kids that are only willing to eat a limited number of foods. However, it’s actually not impossible!
Keep reading if you’re tired of struggling with your kids to get them to eat a greater variety of foods.
How to Encourage Picky Eaters to Try New Things
Encouraging picky eaters to try new foods can be a gradual process that requires patience and creativity. Here are five strategies that may help:
- Offer a Variety of Options:
- Present a diverse range of foods, including different colors, textures, and flavors. This provides opportunities for exploration and allows picky eaters to choose from a selection that may appeal to their preferences.
- Make it Fun and Engaging:
- Turn mealtimes into enjoyable experiences. Try incorporating games, challenges, or themed meals to make trying new foods exciting. Use creative presentation techniques. Look up food art ideas online.
- Getting picky eaters involved in meal preparation enhances their engagement and interest as well. If they helped make it, they’re much more likely to want to try it.
- Introduce New Foods Gradually:
- Start by introducing small portions of new foods alongside familiar and preferred items. Gradual exposure helps acclimate picky eaters to new flavors and reduces resistance. Encourage them to take just one bite to start and then gradually increase their exposure over time.
- Never make it a requirement to try the new foods. They might become more resistant to trying it if it’s forced on them. We don’t want the new food to be associated with negative interactions between us and them.
- Positive Role Modeling:
- As a role model, showcase your own enthusiasm for trying new foods and demonstrate enjoyment. Picky eaters are more likely to imitate adventurous eating behaviors when they see others embracing new flavors and foods.
- Involve Picky Eaters in Food Choices:
- Empower picky eaters by involving them in the food selection process. Take them grocery shopping or to farmers’ markets and allow them to choose a new fruit, vegetable, or ingredient they are willing to try. This participation can increase their ownership and curiosity about trying new foods. Giving them choices and allowing them to have some control is always encouraging.
Don’t Get Discouraged
Remember, every child is different, and it may take time for picky eaters to develop an openness to new foods. It’s important to create a positive and supportive environment that encourages exploration and celebrates even small steps towards trying new things.
Also, be mindful of the types of foods that your child has a willingness to eat. If they tend to eat a lot of high sugar or processed foods, it might take a little longer to make the changes. Cutting back on these types of foods and replacing them with foods that are naturally sweet, like fruit, can change their preferences over time.
Don’t give up on your picky eater, it may take longer than you like, but change is possible!
If you’d like to get more tips and info on living a healthier and happier life, don’t forget to subscribe!
