Picky Eater: Tips To Help Them Eat Healthy

It's every parent's New Year's resolution - Children need to eat HEALTHY this New Year! Cheers to that. 

We all want our kids to eat healthy - a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. But what do you do if you have a "picky eater"? Do you give in and give them what they want (think sweets and candy)? Or do you stay your ground and persevere? If you tried either method and none of it worked, here are some tips to help your picky eater to eat healthy foods this New Year.

1. Be a role model 

Try eating the food you want your children to eat. Then, let them try to eat it. Children follow cues from parents and if we lead them the way, they'll likely follow through.

2. Make food exciting 

If you make meals fun and exciting for them, they'll probably want to eat it. So, go ahead and make those funny faces with the foods on their plate. You might be surprised by just how much they relate to you.

3. Don't be so boring 

If you lived off on ramen noodles while you were in college, this is not the time to live frugally. Give your little ones the choice to pick a food to try today. Think of it as a science experiment in food preparation!

4. Go with what "works" 

If they like the new food you gave the first time, go ahead and repeat. It works.

5. Leftover food is not just for pets anymore 

Try feeding them small bites of leftover food. Remember, don't go overboard with the leftovers.

6. Patience and... more patience 

It takes patience to make children to eat, it takes even more patience to make them eat healthily. Sometimes, waiting a few days before offering the food they disliked the first time is worth the wait. Studies suggest that it can take more than 10 times before a child decides to like the food.

If you like what you're reading, pat yourself in the back as you've taken the first step to figuring out your picky eater. If you haven't done so or perhaps you still need to know a few more things, check out this video from the American Academy of Pediatrics on tips for feeding your picky eater. 

I hope these quick tips help you and your little ones overcome some of the challenges surrounding food. When everything is said and done, know that you're not alone. And, don't feel bad if you couldn't get them to eat veggies right away... it's perfectly normal.