How to Get Children to Try New Foods
It’s important for children to pick up healthy eating habit from an early age. In this article we’ll provide some tips to introduce new foods to your little ones’ diet.
Hopefully this process will help your children try different healthy options and also become aware of the importance of proper nutrition as they get older. It’s important for each meal to have vitamins, minerals and other elements necessary for healthy growth.
Tips for your children to try new foods
Be consistent
When children eat new foods, don’t give up the first time they refuse. Keep trying for a few days. Also, check if they have an allergic reaction that you should treat.
When babies turn 1, they should have a diet with fruits, vegetables, grains and sources of protein.
Create routines
If your child is already feeding himself, try to follow the same family routines. Set a schedule for each main meal and don’t give him too many snacks in between.
Although it’s tempting to give children cookies and milk before dinner, this will change their routine and metabolism.
Make sure they’re hungry
The key to children trying new foods is making sure they’re hungry when you offer it to them. If you give them other food, they won’t feel the need to try what you give them later, because they’ll still be full.
If one or two hours have passed since your child’s last snack, you may want to feed him again.
Make it look pretty
Young children will feel more willing to try meals if you present them in a pretty way. Visual appeal is another strategy that you can put into practice to get them to eat well. Kids like things that look nice.
It’s much easier to get your children to try new foods that look appetizing. If you make a bear out of rice and decorate it with vegetables, the shapes will make your children more interested.
Use flavors they like
If they already like apple, mixing apple with another fruit will increase your chances of success. This is especially true with older kids who may question you about new tastes. Sometimes it’s hard to get kids to try new flavors.
Grow food at home
If you have space for a garden, get your kids involved in growing their own food. It will help make the whole process more fun and educational.
If they see the whole process of a fruit from the seed to the table, they’ll have a better experience. It’s also good to have a little help and company in the kitchen when you’re cooking.
Don’t offer substitutes
If you want your children to have a variety of foods and nutrients in their diet, don’t give them a plan B. When children know that you have a backup plan, they won’t try new things.
If you’ve already created a menu, all family members should follow it. Don’t make any exceptions.
Eat and cook different foods
You can’t ask your child to have a varied diet if you don’t have one yourself. Try to be innovative with your recipes. Even if you use the same ingredients, experiment by trying new ways to cook them.
Your children being fussy about foods is something they learned. Children adopt habits they learn from their family and the people close to them.
Go grocery shopping together
If you can’t grow fruits and vegetables at home, take your children to help you with your grocery shopping. It’s a good opportunity for you to teach them to choose the healthiest goods. Make sure to tell them all about the characteristics of the foods they choose.
Your child’s growth and development depend on the variety and nutrients in their diet.
Keep in mind that foods don’t just contribute to your child physically. They also nourish your child’s brain and help their cognitive development. Make dinner time a fun and rewarding moment for everyone.