Has picky eating taken over your dinner table? Are you or someone you love a picky eater? Are you unsure that your family is getting the best nutrition available? Take heart! You can make nutritious, delicious meals that everyone will enjoy! Bring the joy of real food back to the table.
1. Be prepared, organized, and empowered.
Changing eating habits takes time and patience. You need to be prepared and have a plan that is realistic and practical for your family. Be really clear on your own goals and direction, and celebrate each successful step you take.
· Organize your kitchen and make it a happy place.
· Get rid of unhealthful food that no longer fits into your new health plan.
· De-clutter your counter space to make food preparation easier.
2. Get everyone involved and make a plan together.
If your picky eater is a child, the action plan you create will depend on his or her age and cognitive ability. However, even small children and/or children with a significant disability can feel your enthusiasm for making healthful changes. For very small children, you may wish to create a picture book with pictures of the healthful, delicious food you want them to eat. Additionally, mark the foods that will be eliminated with a red "No" line. Present your changes positively! Communicate to your family the benefits of changing their eating habits. Help children to understand that their bones will be strong, their minds alert, and their cells happy and powerful because of these changes! Encourage adult picky eaters to make changes for themselves without compulsion or ultimatums. Don't buy or cook unhealthful food; instead, make it convenient and delicious to eat healthfully.
3. Make meal planning, preparation, and cooking a family activity.
Involving everyone encourages success. Children who help to plan out the weekly meals are more likely to eat them. You can honor family favorites with a little tweaking to make more healthful versions. For example, macaroni and cheese can undergo a dramatic nutritional and gluten- and casein-free transformation when gluten-free pasta is used with ghee, organic meatballs, and fresh, finely chopped broccoli. Make grocery shopping a family outing, and allow your children to choose a new vegetable to taste. Encourage them to try something that is new to the whole family! If you don't know much about how to cook or serve it, ask the produce manager for suggestions or go online and do some research. The website www.whfoods.com is a great resource. Share your findings around the table. Remind your family members when they aren't thrilled with what is on the menu that everyone's turn will come. Express your admiration for their willingness to try new things and for being so adventurous. Talk about all the benefits they are getting from eating so well.
4. Eliminate grazing and constant snacking.
Everything tastes better when you are hungry. New foods look more appetizing, and the smells coming from the kitchen are more appealing when your body is ready for food. However, many of us never get the full satisfaction from eating a meal when we are hungry because of constant grazing. Healthful mid-morning and afternoon snacks are important for growing children, and everyone should drink pure water throughout the day. Nibbling and snacking on empty calories is a set-up for picky eating at mealtimes. The best time to try something new is when you are really hungry.
5. Work on texture desensitization.
Food texture can be a challenge for a picky eater. As a result, kids (of all ages) may have issues with meat and vegetables. "Hiding" vegetables in easy-to-eat foods is a wonderful first step. Muffins can hide pureed squash, and potatoes can cover pureed cauliflower. Gradually move from pureed hidden foods to the wonderful sensation of whole vegetables and other texture-rich foods.
Resources:
* Autism Society of Alabama
www.autism-alabama.org/asa-blog.html
* The Autism File
www.autismfile.com/diet-nutrition/ten-easy-steps-for-picky-eating-solutions
