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continued:

Children's nutrition: 10 tips for picky eaters

No. 6: Set a good example

If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child is more likely to follow suit.

No. 7: Be creative

Add chopped broccoli or green peppers to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices, or mix grated zucchini and carrots into casseroles and soups.

No. 8: Minimize distractions

Turn off the television and other electronic gadgets during meals. This will help your child focus on eating. Keep in mind that television advertising might also encourage your child to desire sugary foods.

No. 9: Don't offer dessert as a reward

Withholding dessert sends the message that dessert is the best food, which might only increase your child's desire for sweets. You might select one or two nights a week as dessert nights, and skip dessert the rest of the week — or redefine dessert as fruit, yogurt or other healthy choices.

No. 10: Don't be a short-order cook

Preparing a separate meal for your child after he or she rejects the original meal might promote picky eating. Encourage your child to stay at the table for the designated mealtime — even if he or she doesn't eat. Keep serving your child healthy choices until they become familiar and preferred.

If you're concerned that picky eating is compromising your child's growth and development, consult your child's doctor. In addition, consider recording the types and amounts of food your child eats for three days. The big picture might help ease your worries. A food log can also help your child's doctor determine any problems. In the meantime, remember that your child's eating habits won't likely change overnight — but the small steps you take each day can help promote a lifetime of healthy eating.

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References
  1. Tips for dealing with a picky eater. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/10-Tips-for-Dealing-With-a-Picky-Eater_UCM_303811_Article.jsp. Accessed May 3, 2011.
  2. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. The use and misuse of fruit juice in pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2001;107:1210.
  3. Start with small portions. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/HealthyHabits/portions.html. Accessed May 3, 2011.
  4. Follow a meal and snack schedule. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/HealthyHabits/mealsnackschedule.html. Accessed May 3, 2011.
  5. Help them know when they've had enough. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/HealthyHabits/whentheyvehadenough.html. Accessed May 3, 2011.
  6. Cathey M, et al. Picky eating: A toddler's approach to mealtime. Pediatric Nursing. 2004;30:101.
  7. What's to eat? Healthy foods for hungry children. http://patiented.aap.org/content.aspx?aid=5733. American Academy of Pediatrics. Accessed May 3, 2011.
  8. Shelov SP, et al. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 5th ed. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books; 2009:305.
  9. Duryea TK. Dietary recommendations for toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 4, 2011.
  10. Holt K, et al. Bright Futures Nutrition. 3rd ed. Elk Grove, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2011:68.
HQ01107 Aug. 4, 2011

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