Part 3: Make a Plan

Perhaps you buy food or cook for a picky eater. Perhaps that picky eater is you! Vegetables tend to be one of the biggest sticking points with picky eaters, though picky eating can apply to all food groups. Don’t give up!

Here are some tips for managing picky eating:

•  Set an example by trying it yourself and using positive language. Even if you don’t like the taste, you can express gratitude or pat yourself on the back for trying a new food.

•  Add the new food to a food you already like. For example, if peanut butter and jelly is a favorite, swap white bread for whole grain bread. This will add extra nutrients while keeping the preferred peanut butter & jelly filling!

•  Stock up on healthy choices. Limit junk food and unhealthy options.

•  Try new foods. Serve a variety of foods at meals to provide a choice. Encourage kids to pick out a new vegetable when grocery shopping. To make it fun, have a child pick a color first. Then, have the child pick out a vegetable that matches that color.

•  Don’t force a food that is disliked. Part of managing weight is developing a healthy relationship with food.

•  If it has been more than 6 months since you tried it, try it again! Tastes can change.

Appreciate your own willingness and effort to try something new! If you have children, they are watching and learning the value of openness.