I have a hard time getting my children to eat healthy foods. Can you recommend some ways to expand their palates beyond peanut butter and jelly?
A. I have two suggestions for you. First, children like to eat what they have participated in preparing. Let your children work with you on menu selection; set simple guidelines like: 1 protein item, 1 carbohydrate dish, and 2 vegetable or fruit ideas. Teach them what these categories mean and why a meal needs to be balanced. Then, let them help cook the things they select, and even serve the meal to an unsuspecting family member. The satisfaction of being responsible for a healthy meal just may inspire them to enjoy eating it as well! Second, the foods you offer your child should be visually entertaining as well as flavorful. Cut sandwiches into round or triangular shapes, use garnishes to create “faces” on crackers or pancakes, and use colors liberally to make healthy foods fun to eat.
