If I had a dime for each time I uttered the words: “Two more bites and then you may be excused,” to my preschooler at mealtime, I would be a rich, rich woman.
For the most part my daughter has a healthy appetite, but there are some nights that it is like pulling teeth to get her to finish a meal. Recently, I’ve been looking for new ways to get her to not only finish eating before I’m done with the dishes, but to try as many new foods as possible.
Here are the “tricks” I’ve been experimenting with:
*Kid assembly: I place the ingredients for a dish on the table and allow my daughter to assemble her own meal at lunchtime. By displaying healthy and versatile ingredients you can make mealtime a fun, creative experience. Make it simple by having a few choices of proteins, whole grains and fruits and veggies. You can then mix those items with others on the Food Pyramid such as fat-free or low-fat milk products that include calcium and vitamin D.
*Add new flavors gradually: Another way to add spice a child’s meal is to include one new flavor each week instead of bombarding her with a bunch of new foods at one meal. Try adding an item your child hasn’t had in a while or one that she just recently tried and liked.
*Go mini: Miniature versions of favorite food items are a real treat for kids. Stock up on mini bagels and pair them with a fresh veggie or nut cream cheese that your child can assemble himself.
*Serving size: I have a bad habit of loading up my child’s plate with adult-sized portions instead of offering a variety of smaller servings.
*Fun shaped foods: These are always a hit with preschoolers. Colorful pasta shapes with tomato sauce makes a healthy meal as does cookie cutter sandwiches in shapes of dinosaurs, stars or hearts. You can also cut fruit into triangles, squares, circles, or other fun shapes to brighten up your child’s meal.
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