How to get Picky Eaters to Try New Foods
Are you tired of having picky eaters in your household? Do meal times feel like a never-ending battle? We’ve been there too (and in some cases…we’re still there!) We’ve done lots of searching to find ways to help and we have compiled 10 creative and effective ideas to help picky eaters expand their palate and try new foods. From simple tricks to fun ideas, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and make mealtime a breeze!
Get them involved: Let your toddler help you pick out fruits and vegetables at the grocery store or farmers market. They'll be more likely to try something if they had a hand in selecting it.
If you’re kiddo is a little older, it can be helpful to pull out some cookbooks to give them visuals and can allow them to take an active part in meal prep. These kid friendly cookbooks have good pictures and easy recipes: Picky Kids Super Simple Cookbook, Food Network Big Fun Kids Cookbook, and Super Simple Cooking for Kids.
Offer choices: Give your toddler a choice between two healthy options at mealtime. This gives them a sense of control and can encourage them to try new things.
Make food fun: Cut fruits and vegetables into fun shapes, arrange them into smiley faces, or turn them into a rainbow. This can make healthy food more appealing to picky eaters.
We love these Food Cutters, Molds, and picks!
Mix it up: Combine new foods with familiar favorites. For example, try adding chopped vegetables to spaghetti sauce or blending spinach into a fruit smoothie.
Start small: Don't overwhelm your toddler with too much new food at once. Start with small portions and gradually increase the amount over time.
Offer dips: Provide healthy dips like hummus, guacamole, or yogurt for your toddler to dip fruits or vegetables in. This can make them more willing to try new things. We used to use Happy Tot Pouches and squeeze them out as a dip for my son to dip in! Great way to sneak in more fruits and veggies!
Be persistent: It can take several exposures to a new food before a picky eater will try it. Keep offering new foods and be patient.
Make mealtime enjoyable: Eliminate distractions like TV and toys during mealtime to help your toddler focus on the food. Encourage conversation and make mealtime a pleasant experience.
These face plates are a cute and easy way to bring more joy to mealtime!
Lead by example: Show your toddler that you enjoy a variety of healthy foods. They're more likely to try something new if they see you eating it too.
Don't force it: Forcing your toddler to eat something can backfire and make them even more resistant. Offer new foods and encourage them to try, but don't pressure them.
Remember, kids grow and change at their own pace. These tips are meant to try and help them broaden their food choices but in a fun way without pressure! Good luck and have fun :)
