Winning Over Those Picky Eaters

By Donna Stark

Changes can be hard, that's for sure, and one of the most difficult changes that you may be faced with is the change from an unhealthy diet to one of immense nutrition. I mean, who would prefer to eat kale, chickpeas, and tuna fish when macaroni and cheese, dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, and pizza have been the go-to staples from the very beginning? Well, maybe you would prefer those types of food, but your picky eaters (those lovely people you call your children) may need some more convincing.

Winning Over the Picky Eaters in the Family

While you may be instantly motivated and committed to a complete diet overhaul, your children may not be, and they may require more time to warm to the idea. It would probably be in your best interest to take things slowly during the early stages of this process and to give everyone the time they need to fully adjust. Here are some suggestions on how to introduce healthier foods and change your diet so that everyone in the family is happy.

• Introduce new foods - Want your child to try wilted spinach leaves? It might be easier to entice them if they still had those familiar chicken nuggets on their plate. By introducing new foods and replacing the unhealthy items slowly and one at a time, you may have more success.
• Set an example - Mom, Dad, older teenagers ... be the positive example that younger children need. Children tend to emulate the ones they love and watching you eat healthily will leave a lasting impression on them.
• Let them be hungry - No, I am not telling you to starve your children, but if you want them to try something new, they will be more likely to do so if they are hungry. So limit the after-school snacks and meet them at the dinner table with hungry bellies.
• Get them involved - Allowing your children the opportunity to help with the meal planning, shopping, and dinner prep is one of the best ways to get them fully invested in what is being served. Just be sure to state your expectations about what types of food will be purchased clearly and be willing to compromise if there are disagreements.

Healthy Diet, Healthy Family

Changes are challenging enough when you are living alone, but when you have to include a spouse, children, and any other family members living with you, they can seem downright impossible! Fortunately though, with some patience and some planning, a healthy, new diet can be in everyone's future!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Acworth, Ga.