Most toddlers go through a picky eating stage. Their tastes might not mature until they're teens or young adults, but eventually, they grow into their tastes. Some adults, on the other hand, never broaden their food horizons, either by choice or because of medical conditions that influence their food choices. If you have one of these adult picky eaters in your household or circle of friends, a little pre-planning can help you keep everyone fed and happy.
At Home
Step 1
Sit down together and plan the week's meals. If you can't agree on a meal selection for each day, aim for an equal number of selections. For example, you chose half the menu and he can chose the other half.
Step 2
Create an arsenal of easily adaptable recipes that you can make to fit your picky eater's tastes, then only slightly modify to fit yours. For example, make a plain pasta sauce, set half of it aside, then make the other half with the vegetables, herbs and seasonings you prefer.
Step 3
Experiment with different cooking methods that change a problem food's texture. For example, you may not be able to get your picky eater to eat raw vegetables, but he may tolerate softer cooked vegetables.
Step 4
Encourage your picky eater to see a doctor or psychologist. Severe forms of picky eating can be linked to treatable medical conditions, such as selective eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or overly sensitive senses of taste and smell.
In Your Social Circle
Step 1
Talk to your guest about foods he or she will or can eat. Approach the subject with sensitivity, as the picky eater may suffer from food allergies or a medical condition that limits or influences the things he can or can't eat.
Step 2
Ask all of your guests to bring a dish to your dinner parties or social events. You'll be able to stop worrying because your picky friend will likely bring something he enjoys eating.
Step 3
Keep a list of restaurants handy that you know have menu items your picky friend will eat. When you plan social outings, choose from this list to prevent frustration.
Step 4
Ask your friend to throw a dinner party and pay attention to the types of foods he cooks and eats. This can help give you clues to what you can prepare next time he comes to your house for a meal.
Tips and Warnings
- Do a little research if your friend eats a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan or other special diet to help you prepare appropriate meals.
- Never add "just a little bit" of a food your friend cannot eat to a recipe. Some food allergies are more than aversions and can cause fatal reactions.
