Many home cooks know that picky eaters are more than just a challenge: These types of eaters create unhealthy dining environments where those around them also begin to eat fewer healthy foods as everyone tries to adapt their diets. Stop this cycle by using the following four tricks:
Bring Up Recent Medical Research
Point out how the picky eater will likely suffer physically after eating certain foods. Making a health-based argument without evidence usually fails to work though. Consider approaching this topic with physical news pieces, medical brochures research reports, and health magazines nearby that back up your claims.
Show Off Your Artistic Talents
Food producers package their products in bright colors with certain designs because people respond better to food that looks delicious. One of the most common ways that parents get children to eat celery is with the “ants on a log” snack that consists of a piece of celery slathered in nut butter sprinkled with raisins. You should plate all meals with this in mind. For example, cut and display fruits and vegetables in ways that make them look like cute animals or use spices creatively on bland foods to fill the air with mouth-watering scents.
Turn Eating Into A Fun Game
With extremely picky eaters, you need to do more than make artwork. For example, turn a game of cards into a healthy eating event by betting on healthy snacks that the winner gets to eat while playing or set aside for later. Play other types of games where losers “pay up” by agreeing to try out healthy foods they have never eaten before at their next meal. One important side note, never make a game a competition to see who can eat the most or eat the fastest as either action can cause digestion problems.
Improve Favorite Foods
Just because you’re eating healthier doesn’t mean you have to give up every food item that you like. You can find a variety of healthy sandwiches, bagels, flatbread thins, and pocket pitas through a bakery. Another trick with bakery items is to buy organic and specialty breads that look normal but contain healthier ingredients than many of the breads that you can find in grocery stores.
Of course, this is only the beginning of your journey to make your picky eaters like healthier options. Try out these fantastic strategies this week and then explore other easy methods, including fruit and vegetable smoothies and desserts that use less sugar.