When it’s time for your child to eat, is making their plate a struggle? You likely remember all the times they refused to have certain foods. It’s easy to feel like their diet is limited, but their meals need to be packed with nutrients to support their body and oral health. It may seem daunting to get a picky eater to try new things, but here is a short guide to get you started.
What Is a Balanced Diet?
It doesn’t hurt to remind yourself what’s included in a balanced diet for kids. In short, it’s recommended that half of their plate is fruits and vegetables while the rest is split between whole grains and healthy proteins. Dairy is another staple that your child should get plenty of. Each food group provides the fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants they need to stay healthy while they grow up.
How Can I Introduce Smile-Friendly Foods to My Picky Eater?
Your loved one might be against changing their meals to match the recommendation right away. It’s important to start slow and gradually build up to it. You can start by giving them just a small taste of fruits or vegetables to see if they like them. If they do, consider handing them just a serving size and increase the portion as they eat more. Try this out with different items, and you can start to curate a list of stuff they like.
Many picky eaters have sensory limitations, so the textures can throw a whole meal out of whack. Consider eating with your child and showing them how positive and exciting it is to try new flavors. Offer them a bite, but don’t force it on them. You can also deconstruct their meals and put each thing on its own small plate so they don’t mix.
If your loved one only wants a certain color of food, then get creative with it! For instance, if they only want things that are white, then cauliflower rice, white whole-grain bread, or skinless apples might be on the menu for them!
A few parents also have luck with new dressings, toppings, and seasonings. Try adding a few here and there to see which one your loved one responds to. Getting your child in the kitchen can also help with this. By preparing a meal and letting them see the process, they might be more excited to have something new.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rullo earned his dental degree from Western University in London, Ontario, and completed his Pediatric Dental Residency at Oral Biology in Ohio. He is dedicated to helping tiny teeth in Hamilton stay their best with regular checkups and cleanings. Dr. Rullo is here to help parents navigate their kids’ oral health with personalized advice and treatments. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at 905-525-8272.