Weelicious Cookbook Review & Giveaway!
Have you ever visited Catherine McCord’s website Weelicious.com? It’s like the online mecca for parents searching for ideas, tips, recipes, video tutorials about what to feed your kids (and babies!)
Weelicious is now a cookbook! A super cute, information-filled, beautifully-photographed cookbook. Want one?
Go to the bottom of the post to enter! (It’s easy. I don’t make you jump through hoops, remember?)
Psst… I wrote a more detailed review over at Reading for Sanity if you’re interested in knowing ALL of the thoughts I had about this book!
This week we tried out the Turkey Pesto Meatballs. I made them with my Easy Roasted Balsamic Tomato Sauce.
Verdict? Good. My kids loved them. I accidentally used more turkey than I thought I did so the pesto flavor was diluted, but I can see this being a great meal to make ahead and throw in the oven!
I also tried Catherine’s take on Veggie Nuggets — the vegetarian version of chicken nuggets found in the freezer section in the grocery store. (And also full of fillers and all kinds of not-so-natural ingredients, despite what the label says.)
I have to say, these weren’t my favorite. I did some substituting (as I sometimes do, to add more nutrient-dense vegetables and reduce the amount of grains, especially wheat) and that may have been the reason for their bland taste. My kids didn’t mind them, though. We didn’t have any leftovers!
I served both of these with zucchini “noodles” sauteed in butter, and the kids kept telling me they wanted me to make all of it again! My Kindergartener even wanted the leftover meatballs and noodles in her lunch the next day.
The next day I made the Spinach Ricotta Bites with my 3-year-old for lunch.
Guys, I couldn’t stop eating these. I won’t even tell you how many I ate. (I had a stomach ache afterwards.) They taste like little spinach and cheese quiches only a hundred times better. My little Ivy loved them, too!
I’m definitely making these again.
This book is a total winner and a must-have if you have kids! Want a copy?
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
Just leave a comment below and answer the following question:
“How do you handle feeding a picky eater?”
Kids aren’t the only picky ones. Adults can be just as bad!
A few little details…
1. Comments will close on Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012 at 8PM Pacific Time. I’ll use a random number generator to choose one winner that I will contact and announce here on the 3rd (if I remember). If I don’t get a response from the winner after three days I’ll pick a new one.
2. Contest open to US residents only.
3. Leave a valid email address for me to contact you.
4. One comment per person, please. As much as I would love for you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, I’d rather have you do it because you genuinely like my blog. Not for extra entries in a contest!
5. The comments must be on this post. If you email me or send me a Facebook message, I’ll just tell you to leave your comment here. On this post.
I received a review copy from WilliamMorrow (HarperCollins) Publishing, and they are also providing the giveaway copy. All opinions are 100% my own.
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Lindsay R — September 28, 2012 @ 4:32 am
I wish I knew! My picky son make dinners a challenge for us, but we continue to try incorporating new and healthy foods and hope that someday he comes around. :)
Jenny — September 28, 2012 @ 4:37 am
I have lots of experience with this topic! I was an extremely picky eater growing up, but converted to an adventurous eater when I got to college, then married a very adventurous eater who introduced me to so much more food! Learning to cook also helped me be more excited about food. When I ended up with a picky child, I just did everything I wish my mom had done for me. I try to be patient and empathize with her, but we set goals together so that she is constantly trying new things and trying to become a better eater. We talk a lot about how our bodies need a variety of foods to be healthy so she knows why she needs to eat better. We treat this more like it’s something she is working to overcome, rather than defining herself as a picky eater. Then, when she tries something that she would never have a year previously, it’s such a sweet victory for her. My daughter is nine now and has come a long, long way! I’d love to read some other people’s ideas and incorporate them at my house.
Alison — September 28, 2012 @ 5:26 am
I try fresh produce and lean protein in different varieties – saute, steam, roast, in pasta dishes, in casseroles, etc. to find out which way my family will eat them. I know my palate has changed over the years so I will often go back to something I didn’t like before and try it in a new way to see if I might like it again :) I love Weelicious and I am excited for the chance to win the cookbook – thanks!
Emily — September 28, 2012 @ 5:29 am
As a mom of just 1 so far (another baby due in January), my experience is somewhat limited, but I just keep hearing the “they don’t have to like it, but they do have to taste it” mantra in my head. We keep presenting the same foods in new ways to our daughter with the thought that she’ll get there. Persistence is key!
Mel — September 28, 2012 @ 5:55 am
I try cooking the same food in different ways – there is almost always a way to get everyone in our family to eat it! Things with strong flavors – like peppers, I will just use less of in a recipe, so that my kids can get used to the flavor gradually.
Meghan — September 28, 2012 @ 6:23 am
It is a challenge. I am a picky eater, but in a very unique way (love veggies, but hate a lot of traditional foods), and I get around that by cooking and making things I like. But my son is also picky and that is more challenging because he isn’t very concerned with getting a balanced diet being a toddler. Protein is a big challenge for us. I try to make substitutions like quinoa instead of rice, Greek yogurt instead of regular. I also am not above adding lunch meat to grilled cheese and hoping he’ll eat some before it gets non-melty enough to pull the meat out or dicing shrimp (his most tolerated meat) up really tiny in a risotto. But mostly I just keep trying and figure that eventually he’ll find some protein he enjoys, especially with enough exposure, and as long as he continues to grow and be healthy, it’s not the end of the world to go through this time of pickiness.
Kathy — September 28, 2012 @ 6:29 am
I’m a grandmother of a 2 year old picky eater and raised 3 of my own, I have learned over the years to offer a customized smorgasboard by using a small icecube tray (maybe with shapes) or small muffin tin, colorful, add bite size colorful, nutritious foods in each section. Apple’s, banana’s, healthy cheese cube’s, pear’s chicken, avacodo shapes, carrots, cereal ect… Use cookie cutter shape for healthy sandwich. Picky eater’s love to dip it: peanut butter, yogurt, pureed fruit. My rule of thumb is : dip it, spread it, top it, drink it, cut it it up, package it, (little container’s) and most of of all, keep it small! :-)
Shaunna@mamas13minutemile — September 28, 2012 @ 6:55 am
I have a young kiddo that eats almost everything so I love these suggestions!
Nicholle C. — September 28, 2012 @ 7:01 am
My smallest picky eater (my 4-year old) seems to come and go on the things she’s picky on. Sometimes I can get her to try new things, sometimes not. Usually my rule for meals is, if there is something on her plate she doesn’t like or want, she has to eat at least 1 bite if she wants any dessert. She will almost always deal with that 1 bite rather than forego dessert.
My husband on the other hand, who is also a picky eater and very set in his ways – he’s on his own. Either he eats what I make, or (most often) he doesn’t. My concern is focusing on meals that I know my daughter and I can eat, and that will result in left-overs we can use for the next meal. If hubby likes it too great, if not – oh well!
Lissa — September 28, 2012 @ 7:16 am
I absolutely refuse to force my kids to eat, but our rule is that if you don’t eat your dinner (not finishing the plate, but trying everything and eating a good portion of the things they like), you don’t get any other food at night – whether that be dessert, a popsicle, or some crackers. I can’t say that it works that well as there are lots of dinnertime battles, but I can’t see any other way to work with my kids right now.
Kerry — September 28, 2012 @ 7:16 am
I have a 19 month old son who is becoming quite the picky eater after a good start on the nutritional front (he used to eat everything – would devour all his veggie purees, soup, and other homemade foods I fed him as a baby). I trick him into eating his vegetables by mixing spinach, broccoli, etc. in with his favorite foods – any egg dish (scrambled, omelette, frittata), turkey meatballs with whole wheat spaghetti, etc. But I would LOVE any other suggestions – especially about how to get a picky toddler to try new things. Many times, he will not even taste something unless he instantly recognizes it as something he likes.
Kate — September 28, 2012 @ 7:17 am
Tell them they don’t have to finish everything, but they do have to try it. They might not take more than one or two bites the first time it’s served, but make it again a week later and no complaints!
Lori — September 28, 2012 @ 7:25 am
I have a bf who doesn’t like to experiment too often with new vegetables and vegetarian options. I have slowly tried to incorporate vegetables that he isn’t particularly fond of into dishes that he likes. He is eating better and actually is starting to enjoy more vegetables in his diet.
Hazel — September 28, 2012 @ 7:53 am
Both of my children have been picky eaters and I’ve tried different, mostly unsuccessful ways. Now I just make the family one meal, sometimes it’s a hit with my son, sometimes it’s not. By trying all different kinds of foods, I’ll eventually get through!
gail — September 28, 2012 @ 7:54 am
i tell my nephews that they can eat what i made or just go to bed without dinner
Meagan Warncke — September 28, 2012 @ 7:56 am
My son and I have a rule that he has to try a bite of everything, and if he doesn’t like it, that’s fine. But none of this “I don’t like it, even though I’ve never tried it” business. :)
jeanine fairchild — September 28, 2012 @ 7:56 am
My 4 year old has been helping me in kitchen and shopping for healthy choices. This would be great for meal planning and our shopping trips. He loves to be involved.
KellyT — September 28, 2012 @ 7:59 am
OH BOY!!! my daughter and son are each picky in VERY different ways. DInner seems to be a battle each night BUT I have found that when I break from our “Normal Dinner” of chicken, rice and a veggie things go much better. It also helps when I get them involved. My daughter usually will only eat her rice and a bit of chicken and my son only wants to eat veggies and fruits. The big fail-safe in thei family is pasta with my homemade marinara. They are allowed to get messy and have fun with their food and then have a fun bathtime afterward. As for other meal time challenges, I have found that smoothies are magical things! BOTH of the kids LOVE them!
Emilee — September 28, 2012 @ 8:00 am
I have several picky eaters and have tried a lot of the techniques already mentioned. At one point we kept a list of everything my son tried, and celebrated every time he reached a multiple of 10 on his list. We also just kept trying, introducing foods over and over again. having them help me prepare the food sometimes helped. Thanks for introducing me to weelicious, we can’t wait to try some of the recipes on her site.
Mrs Mattman — September 28, 2012 @ 8:04 am
That’s a good question. I haven’t quite figured that out. I try to make something she’ll like. I’m looking forward to reading the suggestions.
Ang — September 28, 2012 @ 8:06 am
I have 2 out of 3 picky eaters and no good ideas for how to overcome this challenge. I appreciate reading everyone else’s comments and have enjoyed looking at this author’s website. Thanks!
Lisa — September 28, 2012 @ 8:12 am
My husband is a picky eater when it comes to vegetables (no kids yet). Since getting married I have begun to try cooking the veggies in different ways to find ways that he will like them. Basically the conclusion is, if I roast it, he will eat it.
Beckie Thompson — September 28, 2012 @ 8:19 am
I am the picky eater in my house–( I hide veggies in things from myself!!) so I get to pick (hahah!) what I make– but I try to make a variety of things and have them available — so my kid doesn’t get picky! Luckily my husband is a garbage disposal.
jeannie replied: — October 1st, 2012 @ 4:50 pm
Haha too funny.
Sally Blaser — September 28, 2012 @ 8:20 am
I roast things, like broccoli (I use Ina garten’s recipe) or your roasted vegetable enchiladas. If I roast my veggies, everyone eats them!
Lauren — September 28, 2012 @ 8:30 am
I try to make it fun to try new things. One thing that has worked wonders with my 3 1/2 year old is using a six muffin tin as his plate. Each food group goes into its own spot (cup takes up one spot and entree somtimes takes up two) and the rule is that he has to try two bites of each slot. Works like magic!! Even if he doesn’t finish he’s at least trying it and oftentimes, he’ll get one bite in and then finish the whole thing!
Lauren — September 28, 2012 @ 8:37 am
PS – Another trick (from my mom)… We don’t do snacks after 3pm to make sure he’s hungry when something new comes to the table and if he’s getting irritable because he’s hungry and dinner isn’t quite ready yet, I’ll give him a spoonful of peanut butter. The PB gives him a boost of protein without spoiling his appetite, makes him feel like he’s getting a “treat”, and buys me about 10 minutes to get everything done without opposition. :) This definitely helps!
Danae — September 28, 2012 @ 8:55 am
For our picky eater- she gets to choose one food a month that is on the “no-fly” list, and with everything else, she needs to eat one bite before being excused from the table.
Vaishali — September 28, 2012 @ 8:59 am
We have the one bite rule for our picky eater and most of the times..we talk her in to eating it..ha ha..health benefits and all that talk!
Elena — September 28, 2012 @ 8:59 am
You would be surprised how much a picky eater will eat if mixed with their favorite foods! My sister has a big things with texture, she does not like shredded meat, beans, oatmeal or ricotta because of texture. I try to mix these with opposing textures. Such as putting tortilla chips with beans so she doesn’t notice the textures she doesn’t like :) my theory is if you mix some of the ‘don’t's with ‘do’s, it’s pretty easy!
jan — September 28, 2012 @ 9:02 am
I simply disguise it.
Rebecca — September 28, 2012 @ 9:04 am
My husband is a SUPER picky eater and my four-year-old daughter, who didn’t used to be, has been following in his footsteps lately. Something that I’ve tried that I’ve seen success with is following the advice of Ellyn Satter in her book “Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family.” I provide several healthy choices, my daughter picks which and how much she’ll eat of what, and that’s it–no snacking on whatever after meals because then she counts on that and won’t eat. HOWEVER, if anyone has suggestions on helping a 30-something grown man who is a picky eater, I am all ears. :)
Gina — September 28, 2012 @ 9:05 am
My picky eater has us eating a small range of foods. I try to give him one new dinner food every two weeks and then I repeat it for the next month. Usually he will start eating it by the end of the month. But not always. Sometimes he loves it on the first bite. I have foun he is more willing to try things at other people’s houses and when there are samples at the store. I find trying things when we are out has been the most helpful. One thing I work hard on is to not say anything negative about any food. I try not to say anything like you won’t like that. If he wants to try it I let him. I will warn him if something is spicy so he isn’t surprised. Any new recipes are helpful.
Rachel — September 28, 2012 @ 9:17 am
My husband is a picky eater, and I have dinner be a combination of food he likes with something new. This way he can’t complain all that much since I gave him what he wants.
Kate@Diethood — September 28, 2012 @ 9:36 am
Ashamed to admit it, but I bribe her… one Oreo if you eat your protein… two oreos for veggies… ice cream if you clean up your plate! :))
Tiffany Nam — September 28, 2012 @ 9:52 am
Don’t tell them what’s in the food you’re cooking! My roommate was/is a picky eater and I hid vegetables all the time in the food I cooked for the both of us!
Sharon D. — September 28, 2012 @ 9:53 am
The rule is 1 bite to try it. Keep re- introducing foods so they become a common sight.
Kristin — September 28, 2012 @ 10:02 am
For my 1 1/2-yr-old, I try to offer two different healthy options and ask him which one he’d like to have. Then he feels proud of himself that HE gets to choose what he’s eating! We also make lots and lots of smoothies packed with fruits and veggies. :)
Andrea Ring — September 28, 2012 @ 10:06 am
I find if kids are involved in the preparation of the food, then they are more apt to eat it. :) Buy them their own utensils to cook and/or bake with. =)
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel — September 28, 2012 @ 10:20 am
My oldest is the most selective eater of the bunch (even more than me and yes I still totally am to a fair degree) but instead of forcing her to eat everything I make, I just ask her to try a bite. I’ll give her a portion and let her try at her own pace. Forcing her won’t do us any good.
barbara n — September 28, 2012 @ 10:29 am
I handle my picky eater by providing lots of healthy foods in fun ways….bento boxes, lots of finger foods with dips and sauces and sometimes mixed in with foods they like
Amanda Thompson — September 28, 2012 @ 10:50 am
My husband is the picky eater. I get him to eat more veggies by having him bbq them on the grill ~ they are more “fun” that way!
Ruby Mananquil — September 28, 2012 @ 10:56 am
I let him order the Chinese dishes he likes, then research the recipes and make them myself and he says mine are way better than takeout.
Jen — September 28, 2012 @ 10:57 am
I leave it to husband to negotiate with my 2 1/2 year old over dinner which is generally the most trying meal of the day with her being a picky eater. He uses the “If you eat X bites of this, you can have Y” to get her to try all sorts of things. I’ve also worked to include her more in the meal preparation (picking from the garden and mixing are her favorite activities, not grocery shopping) to get her more excited for a meal early in the day.
Angela @ AnotherBitePlease — September 28, 2012 @ 11:11 am
My kiddos always have to try a “thank you” bite…ya know thank you mommy for slaving away in the kitchen for me so I don’t starve. If they don’t like they don’t have to eat but that is what is for dinner…dang I am hard core…I wanna try those spinach bites. yum!
Kim — September 28, 2012 @ 11:20 am
I try to offer lots of options w/ the meal.
Heidi Babi — September 28, 2012 @ 12:01 pm
My guy used to be a picky eater (lived on Taco Bell and Little Caesars). We gradually introduced things (like onions and other vegetables) chopped up so small that he didn’t realize they were in there. Now, he will try just about anything!
Marti — September 28, 2012 @ 12:15 pm
The first time I present a brand new food I try to do it in a manner of a favorite food, the first time I made lamb it was as meatballs for spaghetti. Asparagus was wrapped in bacon the first time. My husband comes from a family where the only veggies he had were canned green beans and corn. He now will eat asparagus and peas and broccoli regardless of how it is cooked. I just try to make the food look fun and delicious and tempting and that helps a lot.
cynthia — September 28, 2012 @ 12:23 pm
I think that it’s like a game-they have to try things and decide whether they like it or not, but not just shove it aside til they get their way. I want everyone to be at least an adventurous eater, not just set in stone for LIFE!
allegra — September 28, 2012 @ 12:25 pm
I try to be really straightforward about foods- we learn about where it comes from, how to be aware of the colors, flavors and how best to cook things- getting them involved is half the battle, but I usually win the war because they do feel like they have some control.
cyndi — September 28, 2012 @ 12:26 pm
I like to think that people are somewhat adventurous and so they can understand that things can be yummy, healthy, and yet important in their life- eating from all the colors of the rainbow.
Monica B. — September 28, 2012 @ 1:07 pm
I’m the picky one in the family, luckily I pick what we eat. :D
I do try new recipes though, as long as they have a picture that looks good, that’s why I love your site!! All your food looks delicious!!
Tawny A — September 28, 2012 @ 1:09 pm
As much as I hate it, I pretty much I just give in to the things they will eat. I always offer other things, but it usually goes uneaten. Once in a while i’ll try to find new recipes that look like they might be appealing to them. But i’m a picky eater myself and usually eat snacks rather than meals..guess I can’t blame them too much!
Sarah L — September 28, 2012 @ 1:51 pm
I’m trying to figure out how to deal with a picky adult eater right now. The best thing that I’ve come up with is to try to incorporate vegetables that he’ll eat into otherwise veggie-free meals.
Kathy — September 28, 2012 @ 2:09 pm
I have two picky granddaughters. I would like to give the cookbook to their mother.
Bianca — September 28, 2012 @ 2:11 pm
I try to talk to my kids about eating a variety of foods but it seems like they rotate with who is the pickiest that day or week… I wish I had a better answer! I just keep offering the foods and hope they will like them eventually!
Cindy — September 28, 2012 @ 2:12 pm
I like to “hide” ingredients when I’m cooking for picky people. I especially like to use the things they say they don’t like in a recipe…they never can tell. :)
Sare — September 28, 2012 @ 2:13 pm
I try to make something that everyone enjoys at least twice a week, and for the most part, their favorites are healthy (rice and beans usually), and we are pretty lucky around here that none of my kids hate all fruits and veggies. There is at least something healthy that they enjoy, so we try to incorporate those things so our kids don’t starve. Thanks for the giveaway!
Corisa — September 28, 2012 @ 2:20 pm
sneak in vegetables or recreate dishes they love from fast food resturaunts like chicken nuggets!
Cat — September 28, 2012 @ 2:46 pm
I try not to stress about it. I try to take the few vegetables that they do like and incorporate it into their meals. I have one child that does not like food mixed, so no soups or casseroles. I have not figured out how to solve that problem. It really limits what I can make. I did convince him to eat broccoli soup because I had him help me make it and he loves broccoli. Hoping he grows out of it.
Loretta E. — September 28, 2012 @ 4:21 pm
I don’t have any experience with this! I guess I’d keep offering and not make too big a deal of it…Also, not making multiple meals for each person would probably help.
laur — September 28, 2012 @ 5:01 pm
i don’t have too much experience with this but i think it would be important to be flexible and understanding of what the person eats and won’t eat.
Kruti — September 28, 2012 @ 5:04 pm
I’ve been pretty lucky with my son. When he was around 2 & 1/2 I made something he didn’t think he liked. I encouraged him to take a bite. He turned to me & said “Like Yo Gabba Gabba said? Try it. You might like it?” Exactly! Thank you Yo Gabba Gabba! I’ve had a more positive attitude toward the show since. Check out the episode.
Brittany — September 28, 2012 @ 5:35 pm
My second one has yet to reach the ‘throw food on the floor’ stage because WHY WOULD YOU WASTE FOOD THAT COULD GO IN MY MOUTH??!!, but my first has become a little picky and slow. Once she tries it, she’s generally willing to eat it though, so we’re generally good with some coaxing. She also likes soup, so I’m glad fall is around the corner here–soup is such an easy way to get veggies in.
Kristen — September 28, 2012 @ 5:37 pm
I wish I knew! I have a two year old that has started giving her opinions on dinners, ” I don’t like that dinner mommy!” I thought we’d set ourselves up for success by me making her baby food, but I guess not. We just keep offering her new things, don’t make her a second meal, and make sure there’s at least one thing on her plate that she likes.
Amanda S — September 28, 2012 @ 5:40 pm
I’m not sure if my baby is a picky eater since she’s still “baking” but if she’s anything like her father, I’ll have my hands full! To deal with his picky eating I usually just plan meals and tell him what they are. If he wants to try it, he does, if not he’ll make his own meal.
ellen — September 28, 2012 @ 5:48 pm
Hmm, I don’t know! My son just turned one, so I haven’t had much experience yet. Probably just keep trying new foods several times. The book sounds awesome!
Sarah H.P. — September 28, 2012 @ 6:39 pm
I believe that getting kids involved in the cooking process makes them much more likely to try foods and therefore, enjoy healthier options.
maryann — September 28, 2012 @ 7:27 pm
I started as early as possible with my kiddos-introducing them to anything and everything my husband and I ate. Some days they like it, some days they don’t. Our motto? Take it or leave it! :) With three kids, I can’t take the time to be a short-order cook. I wouldn’t feed my girls anything I wouldn’t eat myself, and the books’ recipes sound really good to me!
Brooke Forbes — September 28, 2012 @ 7:47 pm
I’m a big hider! I hide vegetables in everything. Whether it’s throwing some in a smoothie or some pumpkin into my chili, I’m always sneaking them in. Plus I keep them handy so when the kids are starving they know carrots and other sliced veggies are right there and they don’t have to wait for me to get them for them.
Babs — September 28, 2012 @ 8:02 pm
I try to add a few healthy vegetables (maybe pureed?) in sauces, eggs, soups, anything I can think to make tastier. Doesn’t always work, but generally, the kids are fairly willing to try anything once. Sometimes, it’s Dad that is not so agreeable on additions to foods. That takes more thought.
Sydney — September 28, 2012 @ 8:14 pm
I try to have the kids take at least one bite of each food on their plates, and usually after a few times they like it!
wen — September 28, 2012 @ 8:40 pm
I don’t let my toddler have any choice…if he doesn’t wanna eat what I have prepared, he gets nothing ;)
Kaycee — September 28, 2012 @ 9:32 pm
I think it’s important to make them try at least one bite of a new food. Then, if they still don’t think they like it, try preparing the food in a different way next time and have them try it again. :)
Michele — September 28, 2012 @ 10:05 pm
I always make sure I have cut up fresh fruits and veggies at almost every meal. I know my kids will eat at least that, which is the most important to me anyway, then I try to get them to at least try a few bites of whatever else we are having. Doesn’t always work, but over time, they are getting better and more adventurous.
Ginger Fritz — September 29, 2012 @ 1:34 am
I’ve offset making their favorites with a night or two of “experiments”-and usually the results are pretty good, and we wind up with a few keeper recipes.
heidi andrisen — September 29, 2012 @ 5:04 am
Hi! What a wonderful topic to discuss! I try not to fret about it too much…but i definitely encourage my kiddos to at least take one bite of everything. Also, I try and be as creative as possible and make it FUN while eating! For example, grape kabobs, octodogs, smoothies, mini sizes of turkey burgers. I am always striving to feed our family the most natural and healthy foods possible!
Brandie — September 29, 2012 @ 5:16 am
I ask my kids to try everything once. I also continually expose them to new foods and always put something on their plate even if I don’t think they will eat it.
Kel — September 29, 2012 @ 5:45 am
Try to go for foods they like by texture — so blending instead of whole for example. Also – I must say other readers have some great ideas as I read the comments!
bianca @ sweet dreaming — September 29, 2012 @ 7:08 am
I hide vegetables…chopping them up, blending them, and mixing with safe foods all work!
anne — September 29, 2012 @ 7:40 am
Healthy, tasty and appealing meals. Different colors, and ingredients for them to try.
Amy M — September 29, 2012 @ 8:18 am
My son is definitely picky so I just keep offering different things. I can’t really force him to try them but every so often, he will try something new and sometimes ends up liking it. I guess it is just a process…
Sarah B. — September 29, 2012 @ 8:47 am
My parents simply told us we had to eat most of everything on the plate. My sister was the picky one, so she had to eat so many green beans (or any other green vegetable). They never cooked something special just for one of us. I do think my love of cooking will lead to coming up with creative ways to get my (future) kids to eat. My main goal is for them to have a healthy relationship with food.
Janssen — September 29, 2012 @ 11:30 am
We’re just getting into the picky stage of a two year old (sob!). We try to model good eating, avoid snacking (she would just eat nothing but milk if it were up to her), and have a lot of healthy options.
amy — September 29, 2012 @ 12:07 pm
With two toddlers I am facing many meal time battles. I try to give them one or two items I know they will eat, “A List”, and then something from the “B” list.
Jodi J. — September 29, 2012 @ 3:32 pm
I was the picky eater growing up (actually all of us were pretty picky) and I don’t know how my mom put up with us! Now, when my kids are picky about something, we have a couple things we do. 1. For the older children, we have a rule about trying at least one bite of new foods before they give final judgement on it. Usually, they end up liking the food anyway. 2. With all of our kids, we have talks about how trying new foods is a sign of growing up and with growing up comes more privileges. They like the thought of getting “bigger” and doing big kid things. Also, we stick to our guns about eating the food that is served. If they really and truly don’t like what we are eating even after talking about it and trying it, they are allowed to have another choice (usually leftovers). Not exciting, but it has been working for us.
Eric Jackson — September 29, 2012 @ 7:30 pm
We have the kids try it again until they like the food in question.
Jenny Friden — September 29, 2012 @ 8:15 pm
I hate to say it but the timer has been working well for us lately. When they moan and complain about eating what’s on their plates, we set the timer for so many minutes and they can choose to eat it or not eat it. When the timer rings, dinner is over. I don’t do this unless I know it’s something they have liked in the past and are just complaining about. When I make something new, they have to at least try it.
michelle — September 29, 2012 @ 9:54 pm
This book sounds great. I want to try the spinach bites this week. I have a house full of picky children (well, only three at any given time-but it seems like a lot when they all don’t like different things.) Our rule is they have to try what is on their plate-one or two regular size bites. If they deem it unfit for their own consumption they can eat other items at the table and not complain or gross out others by their dislike for the food item. My 10-year-old has actually spit food back out on her plate. Yah, gross.
Sadie — September 30, 2012 @ 6:26 am
My husband was a picky eater when we met. I slowly introduced him to new things, and in time he has become willing to try anything. It just took a little time. Now that I have a 6 month old, I’m seriously considering spending what little extra money I have on this book. It looks amazing for all of us.
Natalie — September 30, 2012 @ 7:40 am
I make my son(3) take at least one bite of foods he thinks he doesn’t like. It doesn’t always work, but he’s found that he likes quite a few things that he didn’t think he would (kale, okra, guac…). And, I hope by doing this he’ll gradually acquire a taste for the foods he doesn’t currentyly like. Now he tells his Dad “if you’d just try it, you might like it!” : )
Chelsea — September 30, 2012 @ 8:52 am
I used to be an “authority” on the picky eating. I mean, my child would eat anything I set in front of him. I touted to friends that I gave him 2 healthy choices, he would pick one, and then happily eat it. Then he turned 5 years old…. Kids have a great way making you eat humble pie and throw all your former judgmental opinions out the window. Lesson learned. The choice game no longer works. Helping in the kitchen no longer works. I am at the mercy of his foodie whims to a certain extent. I certainly can’t control what or how much he chooses to eat. The only thing I know that I can control is what is being brought into the house. So while we are in this phase, I monitor what I buy like a hawk. If it doesn’t have any nutritional value, it doesn’t come home.
Laura M. — September 30, 2012 @ 2:17 pm
My oldest isn’t super picky….yet. But I am noticing that he is starting to refuse more and more things. I don’t want to make food a battle. So far, my method has just been to feed him a variety of foods throughout the day (of which I am ok with him having…healthy stuff). And at dinner time (for example) I’ll try and make sure there is at least one thing served that I know he likes. If all he wants to eat is peas at dinner, I don’t make a big deal of it. I encourage him to try new things and things he isn’t sure about. I also involve him in the prep and cooking. Otherwise, I don’t make a big deal about it.
JenP — September 30, 2012 @ 4:23 pm
I keep trying new foods and involve them in the process.
Bethany — September 30, 2012 @ 4:56 pm
I wish I knew! I don’t have kids, but the adults I know are picky enough! I just kind of ignore it. :o)
Jennifer Green — September 30, 2012 @ 5:46 pm
I wish I had good ideas for picky eaters! I am trying to only make one meal for the family, but it does not always work.
sara — September 30, 2012 @ 9:22 pm
I just offer healthy choices at every meal and consistency. Eventually they come around to a lot of foods they originally refused.
Alina — October 1, 2012 @ 5:30 am
Well, with our son, I try to mix veggies in with other items he loves or make it in different ways, such as blended, steamed, wrapped in bacon even works :) It’s rough but you have to find a way to have ‘em eat all his veggies.
Sean — October 1, 2012 @ 5:31 am
I offer only healthy meals but I give them the option of two things so they don’t feel forced and hate a particular food for life.
Rachel — October 1, 2012 @ 7:20 am
If I’m introducing something new, such as a side dish, then I serve a main dish I know everyone loves. I *ALWAYS* make him try at least 3 bites of whatever new food I’m introducing. I’ve been pretty lucky with this approach.
Christine W. — October 1, 2012 @ 8:17 am
We have a 2 bites rule – no matter how you feel about the food, you have to take 2 bites before you leave the table. I also try to do “themed” food – broccoli turns into dinosaur trees, any meat is T rex food, etc. My kids get really enthusiastic about tying food to thing they love, so that helps. Thanks for the giveaway!
Elizabeth — October 1, 2012 @ 11:05 am
I continue to introduce foods in varied forms, request that he tries at least one bite (although don’t force it), and make sure that all of our snacks are foods that I would consider part of a healthy meal (carrot sticks, raisins and nuts, fruit, etc.)
Donelle — October 1, 2012 @ 11:29 am
Well, I’m still developing my approach on this. Trying a reward system now for trying new foods – we’ll see how it goes. Usually we try the one bite rule but it didn’t seem to be making an impact. I just keep trying!
Christine — October 1, 2012 @ 11:42 am
I don’t. I only make one meal. My toddler eats it, or he doesn’t. He’s not going to starve himself, so I’ve stopped stressing about it…most of the time. :)
Katie — October 1, 2012 @ 12:40 pm
I keep offering healthy choices, and only serving one meal. If I make something I know 100% he doesn’t like, I will make an alternative. So far, the only thing he doesn’t like is macaroni & cheese (crazy boy!)
Cami S. — October 1, 2012 @ 12:43 pm
I have two girls who are awesome eaters, they eat everything and ask for brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Alas…I have a very picky 2 year old little boy. I put vegetables in front of him for every meal and he doesn’t even touch them. Well, he does touch them to pick them off the plate and put them in a little pile on the table. I end up being a bit deceitful and I puree veggies. I put pureed carrots in his grilled cheese sandwiches, pureed cauliflower in his mac and cheese and I make chicken nuggets with pureed veggies mixed into the ground chicken. I don’t think it’s actually helping him develop good habits but after days of only eating bread and noodles, I get desperate.
Jessica S — October 1, 2012 @ 1:47 pm
Just like all the experts say, you have to expose children to new things several, not just 2 or 3 times before they will accept it. Taste buds change and so do behaviors and attitudes towards good.
Dianna Williams — October 1, 2012 @ 3:21 pm
I just tell them they have to try one bite and, if they don’t like it, they don’t have to eat it. Eventually they will turn into good eaters.
From a ‘Grammy” of 5.
Lorraine — October 1, 2012 @ 3:26 pm
i just keep serving vegetables and grains and fruits and meats, and eventually, my kids will usually try it. Peer pressure works, too. When the baby eats something, they’re more willing to try it :)
Julia — October 1, 2012 @ 3:46 pm
I have a picky toddler AND a picky husband. You know you have a picky toddler when they even turn down cookies. Welcome to my life. How to deal with that? Beats me. WHO TURNS DOWN COOKIES? She be straight NUTS!
jeannie — October 1, 2012 @ 5:01 pm
I love vegetables and whole grains.. so do my 3 daughters… so lucky!! My hubby used to love my holistic cooking approach the first decades of marriage. He ate junk for breakfast and lunch, now has diabetes, and has turned into a pickier eater… which is actually very sad bc when I tell him the healthful foods I cook that he use to like are much better at controlling diabetes he responds..’well I can’t live forever’. Whole grains are out for him, I keep lots of nuts around for snacks, he does love cauliflower and did like the cauliflower crust pizza… just wish i could get him to make better choices on the other meals he consumes.
Kim — October 1, 2012 @ 8:34 pm
I have three daughters – a first grader, a preschooler and a 2 year old. My first grader eats just about anything and everything and isn’t afraid to try new things. Now, if I could just get the other two to eat 1/2 as much as she did, I would be happy. My preschooler is the one we struggle with the most. She really has a hard time with the look and smell of food. She will even go eat in our dining room if she thinks someone else’s food smells “stinky”. And Heaven forbid I give her some bagged lettuce in a bowl and it has a sliver of a carrot shaving or the “purple stuff”. I think presentation is key for her and if I could come up with some creative ways to serving healthy food, she might go for it. In the meantime, we’ve given up the idea of battling with her. I don’t force her to eat anything she doesn’t want to but I do, however, still offer things to her in the hopes that one day, she’ll snap out of it. Her Dr said not to worry about it and to not pay attention that what she’s eating in a single day. It’s more important to look at what she’s eaten over several days. That definitely took the pressure off of us…we try not to worry so much and figure she will eat when she’s hungry and as long as we’re not feeding her ice cream every time, we’re probably doing ok. She just had a check up at the Dr last week and she’s in the 75th percentile for weight and 95th for height. Well, the child must be eating after all :)
Robin — October 1, 2012 @ 9:05 pm
I ignore them. And if they don’t eat dinner, there is no other food until breakfast. I wish I could survive on as small a caloric intake (wry grin).
Tiffany — October 2, 2012 @ 4:42 am
You have no idea how helpful this cookbook would be! My 2 year old is my pickiest eater and I’ve run out of ideas. Thanks for offering this!
Elizabeth — October 2, 2012 @ 5:19 am
I’ve tried following a lot of the frequently given advice with my three year old. I’ve had him help with growing our garden, with choosing which vegetables we’re having with dinner, with preparing the food. He will happily help but refuse to eat. We don’t provide alternatives, but he will happily go to bed hungry. We have finally gotten him to start eating dinner by serving dessert with most meals (usually fruit) with the rule that everyone has to try everything on their plate and eat at least three “big boy bites” of food before they can eat dessert. If we don’t specify big boy bites, he just licks his food! He is very motivated by the thought of dessert, and this at least gets him to try things. I hear that they usually have to try things a certain number of times before they really like them, so I hope that we get there someday!
He does love green smoothies, and so we have them a few times a week.
Kacey — October 2, 2012 @ 6:30 am
Picky eaters are one of my greatest pet peeves. I’ve already decided that I would NEVER EVER be able to date or live with a picky eater. I also find it very VERY irritating to go out to eat with picky eaters. In fact, I do my best to avoid those situtations.
Amy — October 2, 2012 @ 7:27 am
My almost 3 yr old is actually a pretty good eater, though he does have his moments. It’s his father I have the problems with. He’s a meat and potatoes Kind of guy and doesn’t like his food tainted w anything different. So, when I do switch things up a bit, I just don’t tell him… When he notices something is different I tell him I added a little more of an ingredient I know he likes, or if he doesn’t like it, I just tell him I spilled something and tried to get as much out as I could. I know it’s not the best way but he’s not ever even willing to try new things! It gets frustrating and deters me from cooking. I look at it like I’m helping him expand his horizons without him knowing :-)!!
Maneesha Pradhan — October 2, 2012 @ 8:12 am
Kids never stop being picky eaters in some way or another. Even having teenagers I have to insist that they keep trying dishes. They don’t have to like it but still have to try it. Even though my girls will eat most everything, there are phases they go through which seem crazy.
Becca J — October 2, 2012 @ 9:44 am
I don’t have picky eaters, but the rule in our house is that you have to at least taste everything once. Heck, there are things that I don’t like as a grown-up, but I know I don’t like them because I’ve tried them. So, the kiddos do that, too, and if they don’t like something we don’t make a big deal out of it. E is 3, and she has plenty of time to learn to like different foods, especially when there are so many things that she will eat happily now. (Can you tell this is kind of a touchy subject with me?)
India — October 2, 2012 @ 10:56 am
Natalie, love your blog. The pictures and interaction with your girls here is particularly lovely. Thanks for sharing your talents!
Renee — October 2, 2012 @ 1:50 pm
Bribery. Come on, I know we’re not the only ones! It’s not ideal, but sometimes it works in a pinch ;-)
Sprigs of Rosemary — October 2, 2012 @ 1:55 pm
Although I’m past raising my own kids, the grandkids do present a challenge. The three year old who loved broccoli at 3 hates it at 6. What happened? Although I hate to be sneaky, I will add spinach to meatballs, puree squash in soup and other sneaky little things when they come. I don’t want to change what I serve because they’re going through a phase. (And I’m ready for those spinach ricotta bites.)
David — October 2, 2012 @ 6:34 pm
I don’t believe in making a child sit at the table until all their food is gone. They can’t have anything else. Eventually they will learn to eat what’s on their plate.
Diana — October 2, 2012 @ 6:37 pm
With our picky eaters it has mostly been eat it or leave it. We will offer a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in lieu of un popular dish. However, this has not always proven to be the best effective thing. We’ve started with adding one new veggie to mac and cheese. We’ve seen small improvements and comments such as “that wasn’t so bad mom”.
Karina — October 2, 2012 @ 7:44 pm
My 2 year old is super picky at eating. But luckily she loves chicken noodle soup so after a few days of her being super picky ill make her some chicken noodle soup and she will eat that.
Becky — October 2, 2012 @ 7:58 pm
If my kids don’t like something I have made for dinner, they have to try at least one bite.