Help your picky eater eat healthier in five easy steps? You are probably saying “Sure!” That is what I thought also, however it works. Our children start to eat what they will eat for the rest of their life as a toddler. This is the time to teach them how to eat healthy.
If the child in question is older than a toddler, then the pattern of how they will eat is likely a habit. It is up to you to help your child learn healthier eating habits. It can be hard sometimes.
Introduce the five food groups into your child’s diet a little at a time. The reason it is possible, is that there are so many options available that there is bound to be some items your child will eat. Start with these steps to turn your picky eater into a healthy eater.
Step #1: Eliminate treats and snacks that are not healthy. Try an apple instead of a chocolate bar. Offer new foods when they are hungry. Kids get addicted to sugar and the sugar needs to be replaced gradually. Avoid sugary snacks as much as possible.
When you are making dinner try to have more than one healthy option available. Do not let the child bring their ideas of what to eat to the meal. If they don’t like the salad, they make like the mixed veggies. Try not to offer the foods you are trying to replace at this time because that is what the child is used to and that is what they will choose.
Step #2: Find out what your child likes. Do a taste test. This is a fun way to get your child to try a few new foods. This is done one bite at a time. Then when you know what your child will eat, it is time to make your grocery list around that.
Some common healthier foods a child will eat are:
Bananas
Apple slices
jicama
Grapes
Melon
Lettuce
Corn
Meat
Cheese
Crackers
Step #3: The best part about all this is other than the meat, it is great to make these foods finger foods. Children love to eat with their hands. Good, fresh foods are easy to serve this way.
Making food bite size makes it easier for children to control their world. That is what potato chips, chicken nuggets, and candy do. Children control their world with their hands.
Step #4: Bring at least two new healthy foods into your childs diet each week. This can be any healthy food. The child may or may not like the new food. The “one bite” rule will help you introduce new foods to your picky eater. After some practice, they’ll be eating it one bite.
Step #5: The last step is probably the most important. Show your child how to eat healthier by eating healthier yourself. Make it fun for your picky eater to find healthier foods to enjoy.
These five steps should help start your child and you keep your picky eater healthy. Try these steps to make it easier to keep your child eating healthy.
↑ Back to Top