It is challenging to keep nutritional needs balanced when most of the meal hides under the napkin or in the family pet's mouth. Diet plans for picky eaters will reinforce new, healthy choices and take a positive approach to the genetics that got them that way. An October, 2007 article in "The New York Times" warns that picky eating is behavioral and comes from the genes, not environmental factors.
Nutrition Guidelines
Picky children may grow into picky adults -- this is not always limited to a childhood problem. Depending on the picky eater's age, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sets forth guidelines with nutritional suggestions for all ages. Despite age, everyone needs a diet balanced with macronutrients and micronutrients including fiber, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, with trace amounts of fat and sweets. Ensure the picky eater is getting a balanced diet by monitoring nutritional intake over days, not at each meal or snack.
Deception and Food Battles
There is a medical term for people who are afraid to try new foods -- they are neophobic. Kids or adults suffering a fear of trying new foods may get in a nutritional rut and eat only comfort foods that may not provide all the necessary nutrients. Avoid outright subterfuge or deception by incorporating new, healthy choices with the old favorites. Try topping that spaghetti with sliced zucchini. Try to avoid dinnertime battles by tossing out the old adage of "clean your plate." Both children and adults will know when they are full. Try offering new foods when the picky eater is ravenous, rather then after he filled up on snacks or comforting favorites.
Persistance
Try offering new foods one at a time -- don't shock the carnivore by presenting a complete vegetarian meal after years of steak and potatoes. It may take a couple, read 10 or more, presentations until the picky eater will actually take a bite of those steamed carrots. Set a good example and have everyone eat the same foods -- no special orders for Sally who hates squash. According to "The New York Times," 78 percent of people have picky eating disorders from genetics, not family recipes. Behavioral reprogramming and persistence is required to fight this DNA battle of wills.
Substitution
Nature provides a full bounty of varying fruits and vegetables as well as myriad sources of fiber, protein and carbohydrates. If a certain healthy food is decidedly not palatable to the picky eater, try a healthy substitute. Tofu and skinless poultry may provide healthy alternatives to ground beef or sausage. Exchange that baked potato for a sweet potato or some squash. Use some creativity in the kitchen and try new recipes to enhance nutritional choices for the picky eater.
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