FOOD FIGHT The care and feeding of a finicky eater Daaaaad – I don’t want to eat the rest of my dinner. I’m NOT hungry! Well, you’re going to sit at the table in front of those green beans until you eat them all. How do you expect to grow up to be an athlete if you don’t eat your vegetables? Sound familiar? Many of us grew up in an era that rewarded finished plates, regardless of our preferences or appetites. It may have been well-intentioned parenting, but membership into the “clean plate club” sent a message: compliance trumps self-regulation. Mealtime can quickly turn into a battle of wills, especially for kids with finicky palettes. It’s true — growing children need guidance to make sure they’re getting enough of the right foods to establish healthy habits. But there is a more balanced way to help reduce mealtime meltdowns and ensure your brood gets the nutrients they need. Start by reading up on the My Plate initiative for the ideal mix of variety, servings and nutrition kids need to build healthy habits.
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.