Want a child who asks for celery sticks, quinoa,
and peppers? Brussels sprouts and rice with curry?
Introducing healthy foods alongside proven favorites
is a wonderful way to get kids to try new tastes.
“It’s important for children to develop a positive
relationship with food at a young age,” said Stevensville
pediatrician, Thomas Schomaker, DO. “By emphasizing
variety, education, and routine, you can help your little
one develop a deep appreciation for healthy foods.”
Read on for helpful tips on raising explorative and
healthy eaters.
Name those foods
Nutrition education is critical. Help your child
become more involved in grocery shopping,
cooking, and learning the colors of foods.
This can spark an interest in new foods—and a
willingness to try them.
Keep in mind that kids who help prepare food
are also more likely to eat fruits and vegetables.
Proper nutrition education can ultimately increase
your child’s willingness to try new tastes.
Expose your kids to foods
Expose infants and children to various foods
consistently. This helps decrease the likelihood
of a child having a hard time with foods. With
consistent exposure, you’re teaching about
different flavors, textures, and cultures.
Remember, consistency is critical. When kids
are continually given the same thing repeatedly,
it’s unlikely they’ll try new things when presented
with it—especially when children are struggling
with sensory or behavioral troubles. Be consistent
about being different.
Sit together
A routine can help children become more open
to different foods. When you provide family
dinners and a routine of meals or snacks, children
know what to expect.
This may help ease the anxiety in any situation.
It’s also important to eliminate distractions
at mealtime—which means no electronics at
the table.
"We all eat it"
Ever heard that saying that kids hear half of
what you say and do 100% of what you do? It’s
true with food, too. Children who see adults eat
various foods and try new foods are more likely
to do the same.
If your child is still hungry but isn’t enjoying
some of the news foods you’ve offered, let them
have a “No, thank you” bite. When your little
one tries a bite of food and doesn’t like it, allow
them to say “No, thank you,” and then go on
to have more of their favorite item. Or if they
prefer, excuse them from eating.