How to get children to try new foods

If you have a child that is a picky eater and have trouble getting him or her to try new foods don't worry, Your not alone. It's a very common problem in young children so don't despair.

Research Indicates that children as young as four and five years old are beginning to develop food habits that will last into their adult years. Willingness to taste new foods at these early ages is key to building a healthful diet for the "here and now," as well as for their future.

1. One step at a time: Offer Just one new food at a time. Let the child know in advance what to expect, whether it is sweet, salty, or sour.

2. A taste is just a taste: Let your child decide the amount they would like to taste whether it be one teaspoon or two.

3. What goes in, May come out: Recent studies indicate young children are more likely to try a new food if they have the option of not swallowing it. So let your child know that it is ok if they decide to spit it out if they don't like it. Show them how to carefully spit the food into a napkin if they decide they don't want to swallow it.

4. If at first you don't succeed...try, try again: Many young children must be offered a food up to 10 times before they will try it. Continue to offer a new food, don't give up. Eventually, they will give it a try.

5. Be a role Model: Imitation is a powerful force in learning. If you want your child to try a new food. Make sure they see you giving it a try.

6. Capitalize on "food tasting" Peers: To encourage a reluctant taster, have him or her sit with friends or siblings that are good taste testers when you introduce a new food.

7. Serve an unfamiliar food with a familiar one: It increases the likelihood that a child will taste the new food.

8. Color and Texture Make a diffrence: Children prefer bright colors and interesting textures.

9. Involve Children in the Preparation: Children are more likely to try a new food they have helped prepare. Even young children can help stir, smash, pour and measure.

10. You can lead them to a new food..but you can't make them eat: Never force a child to try a new food. If so they will definetly dislike the food without ever really giving it a try. If it is not eaten, simply take the food away and present it again at a diffrent time.

11. Present the Pyramid: Offer new foods from all five food groups of the food guide pyramid. Explain all food groups are important for good health. Make a game out of it.

12. Lessons from Literature: Read stories about food to your children. They may be more likely to try a new food that has been introduced in a story.