Question

Your sister complains to you that your 2-year old niece doesn’t ""eat anything"" and asks your advice. What tips to you give her to help?

Answer 1

Serve the right amount. Offer them a tablespoon of each food for each year of age. For example, if he or she is 3, serve 3 tablespoons of each food.

Small portions give him or her the chance to ask for more.

Be patient. Offer new foods many times. You may have to offer a food 10 to 15 times before your child will try it.

Participating in the different parts of mealtime may make him or her more likely to eat.
Make things fun. Cut food into shapes with cookie cutters.

Display the food in a creative way on their plate. Have then come up with special names for their favorite food

Offer choices. Instead of serving a vegetable to them, let them choose between two options. “Would you like broccoli or cauliflower for dinner?”

Mix new with old. Serve new foods alongside favorites. This may make trying something new easier.

Let them dip. Provide healthy dips to encourage them to try new fruits or vegetables. These could include hummus, yogurt, or low-fat salad dressings.

Be a good example. If one sees you eating a variety of healthy foods, he or she will be more likely to try them.