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Step 1
Eliminate or drastically reduce the amount of junk food in your child's diet. Most picky eaters have become that way because of eating too many sweets. This may put your child through detox, but will eventually help them acquire an appetite for nutritious food. Resist the temptation to console them with their favorite treats.
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Step 2
Don't offer carb-rich snacks between meals. Breadsticks, crackers or granola bars may seem like good choices for a between meal snack, but can quickly fill a tiny tummy, and sabotage the best laid dinner plans. Offer fresh fruit, veggies, or a frozen fruit pop if there is too long of a wait till the next meal.
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Step 3
Provide a variety of nutrient-dense foods at mealtime. Encourage your picky eater to explore the different tastes and textures of foods from different food groups. Rule of thumb; the more colorful the food, the more nutritious it is. It is also a good idea to serve smaller portions, which are more palatable to young children.
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Step 4
Finally, don't stress! There is no need to ooax, beg, bribe or berate your picky eater. As long as no junk food alternatives are offered, he will eventually get hungry enough to eat the good stuff on his own. Happy mealtime!
Comments
mamaks said
on 3/28/2009 I loved this! Another good rule of thumb is to make Daddy eat all the foods he "hates" with a smile right in front of the kiddos. Tell him "Do it for the Children" and he'll be sure to oblige! :-)