Getting kids to eat healthy begins with an introduction to nutritious foods.

Food is one of the first things a child can control — they'll put up a fight to keep it that way. And it's normal for picky eaters to be cautious about trusting an unfamiliar food. So, rather than simply insisting that a picky eater eat a food he or she hasn't tried before, try these approaches to introducing nutritious new foods as suggested by ChooseMyPlate.gov and helpguide.org:

Be a good role model.

Kids love to imitate. Let your child see how much you like fruits, vegetables and whole grains by eating them at meals and as snacks. And don't forget to describe how good they taste!

Try one food at a time.

Introducing more than one new food at a time may be a little overwhelming for your child. Instead, offer one new food at mealtime along with his or her favorites.

Patience is key.

"No" doesn't really mean "no." It usually means "not now." It can take children 8–10 presentations of a new food before they will try it. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

For more ways to help introduce new foods to your child, visit:
http://helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_children_teens.htm
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/tipsresources/index.html -Published June 2011

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