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6. Explore What They Don't Like

Many kids are in a different class--the extreme picky eater. You know, where none of the tricks above work. It is always good to encourage kids to try a bite of new foods as their palate changes over time. If they refuse to take a bite, ask them what about the food makes them not want it. You may find out some interesting information. It might be the texture, temperature, or other quality of the food. You may find they don't like cooked vegetables, but would eat them raw or perhaps they don't like certain textures. This is ok. As an adult, I feel the same way about clams…it just doesn’t look like something I want to eat. The texture is a little weird for me. I'm sure you all have this same experience with certain foods and your kids may be going through the same thing. This information can help you find healthy foods they might be more open to.

7. Keep Fruits and Vegetables in Sight

One of the tips I give almost all my clients is to keep a bowl of assorted fruit on the counter. Almost all of them report how amazed they are that their kids eat more fruit because of this simple step. I had one client who decided she wanted to try some plums and her daughters, who had never tried them before, ended up loving them and it became their favorite fruit.

Not everyone enjoys fruits and vegetables, but just keep in mind that you are the ultimate role model in their eyes. They may follow your lead regardless of their true preference, so keeping any negative language about these foods to a minimum is a good rule of thumb. I had a 3rd grader approach me at a fruit smoothie presentation we provided at a local school. She came up to me and boldly stated, "I don't like fruits and vegetables." I asked her why and she said, "Because my mommy thinks they're gross--yuck!" We really are role models for our kids. It all ended up ok though because this particular young girl ended up loving her fruit smoothie--her reasoning…it is just like a milkshake after all.