Beyond the Bite
How Offering Food Differently Creates Adventurous Eaters.
hint- it’s not about WHAT you serve.
We've all been there: the dinnertime battleground. You've spent time preparing a healthy meal, only to be met with frowns and protests. But what if the problem isn't the "what" but the "how"? Maybe it's not about what foods you offer your kids, but how you offer them.
Empower with plating
Stevie (5) plating her own dinner.
Here's the secret: involvement and autonomy are key. By creating a more interactive and empowering meal experience, you can spark curiosity and a willingness to explore new flavors.
Top 5 Tips for Changing How You Offer Food:
Make them part of the process: Get your kids involved in at least one step, whether it's rinsing rice, chopping vegetables (with age-appropriate tools!), or setting the table. This small act of ownership builds excitement and investment in the meal.
Plan together: Bring your little sous chefs grocery shopping! Let them pick out a new fruit or vegetable, or ask for their input while making your list. After a meal, discuss what they liked and brainstorm ideas for next time.
Embrace family-style dining: Before you start cooking, plan ahead. Can any elements of the dish be deconstructed? For example, if you're making a ground turkey and sweet potato skillet, consider setting aside some plain ground turkey for the kids before mixing in the spices. Then, serve everything family-style, allowing them to choose what goes on their plate.
Empower them with plating: Set some ground rules (like including at least one fruit or veggie), but when it comes to plating, give them control. Initially, they might stick to familiar favorites. But over time, you might just see them reaching for something new!
Set realistic expectations: Expanding your child's palate is a marathon, not a sprint. The goal isn't just about physical health, but also fostering a positive relationship with food. You want your kids to learn to listen to their bodies and make intuitive choices about what they eat.
By focusing on how you present food, you can transform mealtimes from battlegrounds to exciting adventures. So ditch the pressure and embrace the exploration! You might be surprised at how much your little ones enjoy the journey.