To Your Health
August, 2009 (Vol. 03, Issue 08) |
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DO: Leave taste out of it. Instead, talk about a food's color, shape, aroma and texture -- not whether it tastes good.
DON'T: Offer dessert as a reward. Withholding dessert sends the message that dessert is the best food, which may only increase your child's desire for sweets.
DO: Recruit your child's help. At the grocery store, ask your child to help you select fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods.
DON'T: Expect all their food preferences to change. As kids mature, they tend to become less picky about food. Still, everyone has food preferences. Don't expect your child to like everything.
DO: Set a good example. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child will be more likely to follow your example.
DON'T: Follow convention. If your child isn't a fan of various ingredients thrown together, "unmix" the food. Place sandwich fixings outside the bread, or serve the ingredients of a salad, casserole or stir-fry separately. As long as they eat it, that's what matters.
DO: Minimize distractions. Turn off the television during meals, and don't allow books or toys at the table.
DON'T: Buy anything you don't want your child to eat, and when you do buy the occasional sweet treat or less-than-healthy snack, don't put it within easy reach; that's just asking for trouble.
DO: Be sneaky. Puree vegetables and add them to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices, or mix grated vegetables into casseroles and soups.
DON'T: Be afraid to ask for help. Consult your child's doctor if you're concerned that picky eating is compromising your child's growth and development, or if certain foods seem to make them ill.
Claudia Anrig, DC, practices in Fresno, Calif., and is on the board of directors of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, an organization that can answer your questions regarding the value of chiropractic care during and after pregnancy.
