1. To Eat or Not To Eat, It's a Picky Problem
Almost every family has at least one picky eater in the group. Sometimes, the picky eating evolves from various reasons, such as they just don't care for the food being offered, maybe they are eating at the wrong times or they have a digestion problem with certain types of food. Surprisingly, a large percentage of picky eaters come by it naturally, as it's in the genes. So you may have a family with generations of picky eaters.
2. Picky-Eating Toddlers
Meal times with picky-eating toddlers and young children can be challenging. They don't understand the importance of a healthy diet. They would eat macaroni every day. Maybe the food looks funny or smells funny to them. Parents have to get creative with picky eaters. Serve meals at a time they are actually hungry. Cut down on snacks prior to a family meal, so they're ready to eat. Be patient, be firm and stand your ground. If they choose not to eat the healthy meal provided, don't make a big deal about it, just move it to the side with little said but do not give in to another choice. Over time, they'll learn it's time to eat and they had better eat while they have a chance.
3. Picky-Eating Teens
Teenagers are notorious for being picky eaters. Most could live off pizza, French fries and sodas. Set times for family meals and expect them to be there. Get them involved in helping prepare the meal and they're more likely to eat it. Ask them what they would like for dinner and make a healthy version of it. Invite their friends to dinner, so there's a bit of pressure to eat well.
4. Picky-Eating Leads to Problems
Picky eaters will grow to be children, teens and adults with health problems. People that don't eat healthily tend to get sick more and have a lower resistance to infections. Poor eating habits at young ages can show up later in life as very serious medical conditions. It's important that everyone eats a well-balanced diet. Picky-eating teens should be watched carefully, as people at that age are more susceptible to eating disorders.
5. Meal-Time Solutions
Plan family meal times together. Provide healthy fruits and snack options at home rather than sugary sodas, cookies and candy. Be creative in the way you present food to the picky eater. Give them dips for their raw veggies, serve soups in crazy containers, switch ice cream to frozen yogurt and change from white bread to whole grains. Hide healthy foods within other foods. Mix cooked cauliflower in mashed potatoes and macaroni or mix pureed vegetables into hamburger. Picky eaters have to be taught and trained to try new foods so don't give up.
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