Having a hard time getting your kids to eat right? Get them on the right track.
Take them shopping with you: It it easier to get kids to eat healthier foods if they have a say in what it is, so take them with you when you shop. But remember to stick to the outer isles of the grocery store. It is here that you will find fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses. Zig-Zagging through the inner isles of the store will only tempt them with high sugar, high fat snacks and drinks.
Make meals special : For example, instead of the same boring slice of meatloaf for dinner, divide your usual meatloaf mixture up in to several smaller portions and cook in a muffin tin. What could be more special than an entire meatloaf to yourself?
Let them eat it raw : If your child prefers his veggies raw instead of cooked, simply set aside a portion of what you are cooking and let him eat it raw with his meal. Or keep a container of cut up raw veggies in an airtight container in the fridge so that on nights when you serve something that is not exactly a favorite, they are easily accessible. Set out the veggies and some dip/dressing and let them eat their fill. They will still get all of the vitamins they need and you will have avoided upset at the dinner table.
Give them healthy "sweets" Instead of store-bought cream-filled cookies, try graham crackers with cream cheese and pure jam.
Get colorful : Next time you shop, try something new. Broccoli isn`t just green anymore: it comes in purple. Tomatoes aren`t just red: they are bright yellow and orange, and cauliflower is orange and purple. Kids get bored easily : be creative.
Disguise the "good stuff" If kids wont eat vegetable soup because they can identify the "yucky stuff" on the spoon: HIDE IT. Simmer an assortment of vegetables in chicken broth and mild spices. When they are tender, add some cream and blend until smooth. Serve topped with grated cheese or goldfish crackers. ( be sure to make extra: you will want some too)
Get them cooking : Kids will be eager to eat a healthy meal if they helped in the preparation.
Change things up : For example if your kids are big lasagna fans, each time you make it, put in something new and healthy. Try ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef. Add spinach, broccoli, grilled zucchini or eggplant...
Let them grow it : Set aside a sunny spot in your backyard and let the kids grow the things they like. Tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers , beans and strawberries are all easy to grow.
Keep trying : Because their taste-buds change as they mature: keep getting kids to re-try foods. Just because they didn`t like it six months ago doesn`t mean they won`t like it now. But remember : it doesn`t usually work the other way around. A child doesn`t just stop liking things that they have liked all along.
This is really good! I really like the first tip about letting the kids have a say in what they eat. A lot of work and thought went into this article and it's definitely better than sticking your finger in their potatoes. (Couldn't resist that one Laurie)
#2 by lanne, Aug 6, 2007
Yep...the old finger in the taters never did much for me...LOL
BUT..I do like them now, where I HATED them as a kid Thanx mom :)
#3 by Lucy Lockett, Aug 9, 2007
You sound like a sneaky parent! Great artice with good tips. You have to do whatever it takes because before you know it, they are making their own choices.
#4 by Jaime-Lynn Charles, Aug 27, 2007
Well…sneaky she might just be!
You know, when my sister-in-law asks me how I get her two year old to try something new I simply say: “let them try it”, if they don’t like it – they don’t like it…but at least they tried it once. You know, disguising may have been the term you used, but we always liked what you made. You enjoyed cooking for your kids – something I don’t think parents do anymore. To this day, you’re always making things I love…and things I miss. I’m a 21yr old baby! I miss my mommies cooking!
Thanks mom – for the food in my belly and the food I’m going to have in my belly next Sunday, lol
This is really good! I really like the first tip about letting the kids have a say in what they eat. A lot of work and thought went into this article and it's definitely better than sticking your finger in their potatoes. (Couldn't resist that one Laurie)