by miraclesinprogress

Created on: October 06, 2008   Last Updated: October 14, 2008

While children are notoriously considered "picky" eaters, the challenge of retraining them in their eating habits can be one that is fun and beneficial for the whole family.

MODEL IT FOR THEM:

There are creative ways to encourage better nutrition habits, and the best way to begin is with example. Similar to other habits, children will be more inclined to adopt the habits of those who spend time with them. As they see you modelling better dietary habits, they will naturally develop an interest in your dietary lifestyle, and they also notice when and why you eat.

INVOLVE THEM:

It is wise to involve children in the preparation of food as soon as they express an interest in participating in the kitchen. Food preparation should not be seen as the primary task of one person, but as an enjoyable task anyone can partake in. Food preparation can involve intimacy, laughter, and a sharing of time that a family might not necessarily be able to enjoy otherwise, given the time constraints for many families.

INFORM THEM:

While cutting, dicing, or slicing fruits and vegetables into bite-sized chunks, it is a prime opportunity to talk about how fruits and vegetables can "power" us up, and what child doesn't enjoy feeling "powerful"? It is also good to let children experience the tactile sensations of different fruits and vegetables. The bumpy peel of an avocado provides a decidedly different sensation from the one provided when a child touches a peach. The energizing scent of a lemon is decidedly variant from the comforting scent of vanilla. And, giving your children a lingering, appreciative sense of touch might stimulate a future interest in massage therapy. Or, giving your children an acute, appreciative sense of smell might mean you are raising a budding aromatherapist.

SHOW VARIETY TO THEM:

Show them fruits, vegetables, and other foods served in new ways. They can try apple slices with some creamy, organic peanut butter. To add some fun, you can top the peanut butter with some raisins or currants. You can line celery and cheese with organic currants or raisins. You can prepare sliced wholewheat bread with a round cookie cutter, then spread cheese on the bread. We placed two raisins, a raisin nose (or nostrils), and a line of upturned raisins for a smile on the bread, and these were very popular at Hallowe'en.

You can also make creative after school snacks such as peanut butter balls. Mix the peanut butter with a little organic maple syrup or honey, then roll each ball in organic

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