by Laura Leigh Fields

Created on: August 06, 2008

Let's face it: children can be picky when it comes to foods. They are more likely to choose something that is pretty or heavily advertised rather than foods that are nutritious and healthy. It isn't because they want to avoid the food pyramid. Chances are they just don't know the difference.

The trick to getting children to eat healthy foods that are good for them is to make foods and both the eating and preparing processes fun for them. There are many ways that you can do this that will keep your child both entertained and interested in nutritious meals. Try using games, songs, poetry, and activities in the meal planning process. You can also incorporate fun facts into your activities so that your child can learn useful things as they go.

Almost anything can be made into a game, keep this in mind when you are deciding what to do. Think of your child's favorite games or characters and use those things to hold their attention and teach them fun things along the way. Preschoolers, especially, love singsong type rhymes. Together, you and your child can create silly little poems or songs about their favorite foods. You might also want to make charts or even have "theme days" to help encourage your child to love healthy eating.

It isn't always enough, though, just to get your child to play along through activities. You should also encourage them to help you prepare their meals or snacks so that they can get hands-on experience, too. There are lots of kid friendly items that you can make that don't take a long time to prepare and will hold your child's attention.

Remember that appearance is very important for small children. Make things that will appeal to their stomachs and their little eyes. Below, you will find a couple of fun recipes that very few preschoolers will be able to resist.

~Beautiful Butterfly~

This is a quick easy snack that kids will have fun making and eating. It takes very little time to prepare and it is good for them too. The items listed are only suggestions and can be substituted for other healthy choices or foods that your preschooler will prefer.

You will need:
* 1 plastic knife
* 1 small measuring spoon
* 1 paper plate
* 1 celery stalk
* 1 tablespoon softened fat free cream cheese. (Be sure to check the label at the grocery store to make sure you are buying the healthiest and best version for your child.)
* 2 Medium sized salt free pretzels
* 2 raisins
* 2 sugar free black or red licorice strings

Wash the celery stalk and cut it into a 3 to 5-inch piece,

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