Eat your Vegetables!
So if your kids are anything like mine, you’ve experienced periods of time when all they would eat was ‘white’ food….chicken, rice, pasta, and cheerios.
As a mom I know they need to eat better than that. But, I have to admit that at the end of a long day working, then juggling afterschool activities, and cooking dinner; when I sit down to the table the LAST thing I want to do is fight with a kid to eat! I’m done! I’m tired! I want to eat peacefully! But, what I have to remind myself (almost nightly) is that I am still on duty!
Admittedly there are no miracle tricks. And usually the pickiest of eaters grow to be kids that have extensive pallets. But when you’re living with a kid who just won’t eat, it’s very frustrating. So, pour yourself a glass of wine with dinner tonight and try one of these tactics. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
Presentation and Simplicity
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that young kids like simple separated foods on their plates. So make sure there is plenty of space between the chicken, mashed potatoes, and broccoli.
Adjust your Recipes
Don’t plan your meals around the kids, but be considerate of their simple pallets. If you’re preparing a complex chicken dish, reserve some chicken for the kids before you douse it with sauce. Plain and simple is the best bet. Also consider ‘hiding’ vegetables in meals they already love – carrots in the spaghetti sauce, or spinach in the meatballs. Zucchini is easy to hide too. The kids will never be the wiser. Especially if you cut the veggies really small!
Plate Preparation
Ok. I’m not talking about preparing a separate meal. What I’m talking is allowing your child to serve themselves. Give them the ability to portion their meals and have a role in making their plate. They’ll feel like part of the process.
Making it a Game
Not a playing with your food kind of game – although that might work too. I’m talking about simple games like challenging them to eat 3 pieces by holding up 3 fingers and letting them turn one down each time they have a bite. Sounds boring, but you might be surprised by the results. Or, try using their favorite T.V. or book character as inspiration. My 5 year old daughter is really into Doc McStuffins. So, before dinner I’ve started asking her questions like “So, does Doc eat things like broccoli and asparagus?”. It starts a conversation when she’s more willing to talk. It took a couple of days but one night at dinner she started telling me which foods were healthy and which were not (according to Doc McStuffins)!
Empower Them
This goes back to letting them prepare their own plates. Make them feel ‘big’. Ask them if they’ll help make dinner. This can be as simple as asking them to fetch things from the pantry or pour ingredients from a measuring cup. Then when you sit at the table, praise them for their help and encourage them to try it. “Georgia, you did a great job with the green beans. They’re really yummy. You should try a bite. They’re so much better than when I make them by myself!” Brainwashing? Maybe.
Add Dip!
Ok. Before you bite my head off. I know! Ranch and ketchup aren’t the healthiest of choices. But, if you make your own and it gets the kids to eat better, I say go for it! It’s not forever. But it does soften the bold flavors of vegetables. And it’s fun!!
Try These Kid Favorite Recipes..
Do you have a trick that has worked on your picky eater? If so, please share!