Most parents encounter picky eating from their children at one time or another, and find themselves scrambling to serve something that is healthy and will also be eaten. Kids go through phases when they grow more slowly and need less food, so they become choosy about what goes into their mouths, according to Ask Dr. Sears. Other kids like to eat something new to keep mealtime exciting. Whatever the reasons, parents can experiment with dinner menus to find things their kids like.
Baked Potato Bar
Potatoes are a versatile comfort food. Providing kids some control over their ingredients can lead them to actually eat foods they may otherwise turn down. Parents can bake and cut open the potatoes, then lay out a variety of healthy fillings and allow children to fill up their own. Good choices include, steamed broccoli, low-fat cheese, tomatoes, low-fat sour cream or butter, lean ground beef and salsa. Serving potatoes with a tossed salad increases vegetable intake and provides healthy nutrients. Potatoes are both filling and low in fat and calories, making them part of a balanced dinnertime meal.
Appetizer Platter
If there are certain foods that kids usually shun, parents can serve them as appetizers while dinner is being prepared. It may be surprising to see how much of these foods kids will actually eat. Dr. Sears recommends laying out thinly sliced apples, avocado quarters, banana slices, broccoli, carrots, cheese cubes and dry cereal. These foods are high in vitamins and mineral. Many kids prefer to graze rather than eating a big meal, so an appetizer platter is a good way to get some healthy foods into them with minimal amounts of calories and fat. Simply preparing and placing the platter in an easy to reach spot is successful for many parents. Adding some lean sliced meat and whole grain crackers or bread creates a healthy dinner for kids.
Dips
Most parents know how much kids enjoy dipping their dinners, and that many won't eat theirs without dip. However, parents don't have to fall back on ketchup for everything. Dips are a good way to sneak in some extra nutrition at dinnertime. Try cottage cheese, cream cheese, all-fruit jelly, guacamole, peanut butter, pureed fruits and vegetables, and yogurt. Thinly sliced fruits or vegetables, baked chips, bagels or toast can be served to dip. Waffles can be dipped in applesauce, and vegetables can also be dipped into hummus. A dinner based on dipping is fun and healthy for kids.
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