Eating Healthy as a Picky Eater

By Randi Morse

I've always been a selective eater. I use the term "selective eater" in the place of "picky eater" because that term has a very negative connotation with it. People who are choosy in their foods are often looked down on, but you shouldn't be. Some people have issues with different food textures, others have problems enjoying certain flavor profiles. Then there are those who are super tasters, who taste things very differently than most people. Enjoying healthy foods when you are a selective eater can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be.

Find One Vegetable

Even the choosiest eater in the world can find one vegetable that they enjoy. Find that one vegetable. This can take a lot of trial and error, and don't forget to try the vegetables both cooked and uncooked. My son loves raw carrots but doesn't care for cooked ones, while my daughter and I love cooked broccoli but aren't big fans of uncooked broccoli. Finding that one vegetable you like gives you the vitamins that can be absent if you eliminate vegetables from your diet entirely.

Adding Vitamins

If you have a difficult time enjoying any vegetables, make sure you add vitamins to your daily health regimen. There are tons of different vitamin supplement options available to purchase. If you're unsure which one would be best for your specific needs, speak with your physician.

Avoid Fried

If you're extremely choosy in your dietary needs and you simply can't tolerate any vegetables, try to stay as healthy as you can with the foods you do eat. Have baked chicken instead of fried chicken, and have brown rice instead of white rice. Make those healthy substitutions when you can so that you're eating as healthy as possible. 

Being a selective eater can be difficult, especially if you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle and make nutritious choices. The good news is that there are all sorts of companies that are consistently coming out with new, healthy, delicious food options. While it's fine to stick with foods you're comfortable with, don't forget to branch out and give something new a try now and again. Our palate changes every seven years, so you may find that you enjoy a food more than you thought you would. For example, I always thought I hated frozen vegetables, which are much healthier choices than canned ones. After trying them again a few years ago, however, I've discovered that I love them! 

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