Picky Eating Help For Kids Using Food Chaining / Gateway Foods

In our video series, we are going to cover a number of strategies to get kids to eat a larger variety of foods… and dare I say it, more vegetables!

Feeding My Kid is dedicated to helping parents impact their child’s life-long eating habits through tips, videos and recipes.

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The video covers the importance of gateway foods.

More Pick Eating Help:

• Make Food Fun By Letting Kids Create their Own Meals Like a Topping Bar
• The Do’s and Don’ts of Getting Kids to Eat Their Vegetables 
• Use This Strategy to Get Kids to Eat: The Kitchen Is Closed

Find Out What Gateway Foods Are and How to Use Them

It’s so important for kids to try new foods. Your child may love some of the foods you prepare and other times, not so much 😉 Build on the foods your child already eats by tracking those foods and then offering similar variations using different shapes, preparations and/or flavors. This will slowly help your child accept new foods by building on the foods your child already likes. Variety is so important to helping a child expand their flavor palate.

Step 1:

Download the Gateway Food Tracker Chart from Feeding My Kid so you can start tracking what your child is eating. This is how you will be able to build on the foods your child is already eating.

Step 2:

Change up the shape, seasoning and preparation of your child’s favorite foods. Go at your child’s pace.

For example, sweet potatoes or any root vegetable can be prepared a million different ways. Try them all! Change the texture and the seasonings. Also add herbs and spices to their meals. Just keep introducing it!

Change up the shape, seasoning, and preparation of vegetables, try:
– fry shaped / waffle shaped / tots
– wedges
– mashed
– soufflé
– cook with garlic
– mix with other roasted veggies
– roasted with cinnamon or other spices

Step 3:

Keep it different. If you offer pasta, change up the type of pasta you are serving.  Don’t let your kids get into an eating rut.

 

The information on this website is designed for educational and/or entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns regarding your child’s condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses.