How to Cook for a Picky Eater

Picky eaters can turn mealtimes into a disaster by resisting any and all of the food you prepare. In addition to the irritation you feel when dealing with a picky eater, you are concerned whether your picky eater is eating nutritiously enough. Here are some ideas to cook and deal with picky eaters.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make a list of foods in each category that your picky eater does eat. Plan a menu that alternates the picky eater's favorites so that she gets one items she likes at each meal.

2. Introduce new foods one at a time. Ask your eater to try just one bite. One taste is all it takes to change a picky eater's mind. Reintroduce foods a picky eater doesn't like.

3. Dip it. Picky eaters often respond to dipping foods, particularly vegetables and fruits. Try low-fat ranch dressing, yogurt, peanut butter and even ketchup.

4. Prepare food in creative ways. Turn fruits into smoothies.

5. Allow your picky eater to be involved in planning, cooking and preparing meals. She's more likely to eat something she cooked.

6. Consider allowing grazing to keep his blood sugar level. Sit out a tray with a variety of small amounts of different foods to nibble on. Try putting the foods in a muffin pan or compartmentalized dish since picky eaters often don't want different foods touching.

7. Sneak healthy foods in during cooking. Add grated or diced vegetables to rice, pasta or pancakes. Introduce your picky eater to zucchini bread or carrot muffins.