03/18/2026
March is National Nutrition Month🥗
So let’s talk about picky eating! Here are 7 simple tips to help turn picky eating into a more stress-free experience!
1. Be patient, it’s normal for kids to be picky. It can take multiple exposures (15-20x) to a new food before they accept it. Keep offering the food, but don’t force it. Gradually introduce new foods alongside familiar ones.
2. Get your child involved in the kitchen! Children are more likely to try foods when they help prepare them. Let them stir, wash vegetables, or pick out foods to try. This can make them feel proud and excited to eat.
3. Give them a range of choices to help expand their palate. Instead of focusing on a single vegetable, offer 2-3 options and let them pick their favorites. Variety in colors and textures will make meals fun and inviting!
4. Make mealtime enjoyable, not a battleground. Avoid pressure to finish the plate or eat certain foods. Create a relaxed atmosphere where your child feels safe to explore new foods at their own pace.
5. Children are influenced by what they see! If you enjoy eating a variety of healthy foods, your child is more likely to follow suit. Set a good example by eating a variety of healthy foods and enjoying mealtime together. Family meals are a great time to show positive eating habits.
6. Let your child listen to their body’s hunger and fullness cues. Avoid making mealtime stressful by forcing them to finish everything on their plate. Offer smaller portions, and allow them to ask for more if they’re still hungry.
7. Reinforce the idea that trying new foods is exciting! Celebrate small victories. If they try a new food, praise them for being brave. Even if they don’t like it, encourage them to keep exploring different tastes and textures!
⭐️What’s your best tip for feeding a picky eater? Share it below!
