Jul 16, 09 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.

Those Picky Eaters

Most parents have dealt with a toddler or child who is a picky eater.  Why would they want to eat their vegetables once they get a taste of cookies and candies and chips.  The best way to encourage a healthy eater is by demonstrating and keep encouraging.  Don’t get frustrated if they spit out the broccoli the first few times.  It can take up to 15 times of trying something new before your child may like it.

Summer is a great time to experiment with new foods.  Fruits and vegetables always taste better fresh.  Add in the excitement of picking something and it is even better.  We just planted a raspberry bush and my children have so much fun going outside, picking a berry, and eating it.  They don’t have to wash it right away, there are worse germs on their hands from playing hard all day.  Start simple with a tomato plant or cucumbers.  Try to grow pea pods those are lots of fun. If you don’t have time or it’s already too late in the season, try one of the many farmer’s markets around town.  They have the freshest of the fresh and it can change weekly.  It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Another way to try new foods is to join a co-op.  The past few years my family has received a basket of fruits and vegetables weekly through the summer and fall.  You should have seen how they gobbled up the purple cauliflower.  Even their friends who don’t eat vegetables couldn’t get enough of it. 

So go out , experiment, try new things and have fun.  You might find new things you like also.

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