7 Tips For Picky Eaters

The Lost Art of

Homecooking

Reflecting on a childhood, filled with home-cooked meals vs. the fast, processed foods of today.

Here are my tips to overcoming the challenges of introducing healthy food, and why it is so important to the health of our children.

Hello,  Happy Meal

The world today is vastly different then when we were kids.  The way we feed our bodies is not always in our best interest.  When I was a child, it was fairly common for children to be “made” to eat things.   Do you remember liver and spinach?  It was torture or was it?  

Fortunately, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents.  They had a small garden where our extended family enjoyed the bounty of tomatoes, beans, carrots and the colorful goodness my grandfather and grandmother labored over.   I can still recall the warmed by the sun, tomato and mayo sandwich.   It was a slice of heaven on earth.  A true happy meal.

We Did Not Know What We Did Not Know 

We rarely had the opportunity to go out to eat. Magically,  a homecooked meal would  appear on the table.   My mother or grandmother were delightful cooks.  Southern,  homemade meals  were served daily with sweet tea, of course!   We actually sat down at a dinner table with ceramic dishes, utensils and napkins. Oh,  my!  Our family table would include anyone who happened to be there.  My grandparent’s home was the best of times and food.  We always sat together and had conversation.  TV or cell phones, whhhhaatt?  Cell phones, not even invented yet!  Crazy, I know but, it was not that long ago when traditional family mealtime was non-negotiable.  It was a time to enjoy the each others company and of course, the delicious home cooked goodness.   

A veggie plate was always present.  Sliced onions, tomatoes and cucumbers were an added bonus.  Fresh, no additives, homemade and home grown real food.   Homemade meals were quite frankly taken for granted.  We did not know what we did not know!  Just the thought of my grandmother’s  rice pudding brings back such special memories– Mercy!  

I am who I am due to the women in my life – Mother, Grandmother and Aunts have made me who I am today.  Blessed, to have been a part of their lives, raised on their love and of course, home cooking.  

This has got me to thinking of all the wonderfully homecook’s in my family. While, they cooked for every family gatherings, it would not be a celebration without:

• My Mother’s: Stuffed Green Peppers and Brown Sugar Pound Cake

• My sweet Aunts: Lemon Meringue Pie, Roast Beef, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Pepper Slaw

• My Grandmother’s: Rice Pudding, Stewed Tomatoes, Chicken Pot Pie and Green Beans

Fast Forward 50 Years 

Do you think our grandchildren can get their heads around what a  family home cooked dinner is? Or, how about being “made” to eat anything that was not of their choosing?    Nope, nada and call Uber Eats-FAST!   Kids are given a lot of adulting these days.  We try to be friends instead of parents.  The truth is kids don’t have a clue.  Bless their little hearts!   They aren’t suppose to know.  It’s our job.  We are the caretakers of their body, mind and soul.  Parenting is about nourishing their whole being.  Love is the main ingredient.   Sometimes, it is most certainly tough love.    

Children today are fed chicken nuggets.  That’s all, folks.    No green veggies.  Is it because gardens are not common place or home cooking is not mainstream.  Or maybe, it’s the paper plates?   Most, of us work outside the home.  Time seems to evaporate.  I get it.   Obviously, I’m speaking in generalities however, to hear my grandsons share some of their friends meal time behaviors –  it’s eye opening.   

We Eat Well

Home cooked meals most every night (left overs too!)  We may have a pizza night here and there.  Of course, ice cream for dessert.  Today, the boys eat just about anything we put in front of them.  They love vegetables.  Even, broccoli and cabbage. I know, strange!  But, is it? And, it’s not because they live with their grandparents!

It Wasn’t Always the Case  

When the boys first came to us, our oldest grandson was 4.  He had been raised eating Mc Donald’s for most every meal.  In the past, when we visited he always wanted to go to Mickey D’s .    It did not seem unreasonable coming from a kid.     It did not come into full focus until we had him 24/7, it was the ONLY thing he ate! 

It’s ironic, it is called a  Happy Meal. I’m not bashing Mc Donald’s.  There is a place for a variety of food choices.  Sad,  to think my grandson’s introduction to food was fast food.  Where do you go from here when the idea of fast food is his food of choice.   And fruits and veggies are completely foreign.  

The timing could not be worse.  In a matter of days, he lost his parents, home and state.  Now, his comfort food.   My husband and I’s diet did not include fast food.  This was going to be interesting.    For a couple of weeks, it was touch and go.  We did not go cold turkey on the kiddo.  There were a few trips to the drive thru.  But, this had to change, now!    This was not his fault. He only knew processed foods. It was his normal. 

The key was to start somewhere and not give up.  Believe me, I had more than a few “moments”.   Between, the lifestyle changes  and  working full time it was overwhelming.  (I cried…among other things!)  Planning out meals and having back up choices was of utmost importance.      Thank goodness, for Pinterest. And online grocery shopping…..and crockpots! 

Parenting is Hard

What they say is true.  It takes 21+ days to change a habit.  The parent “own” this new approach.  You have the power! You can convert the picky eater! Honest!   This will not happen overnight and it will require a trip to the wizard.  Not really! Just lots of coffee or maybe, “something stronger?”  You will feel like the Wicked Witch of the West, you’re not.   Keep focused on following the yellow brick road.   The kiddo won’t know what hit him.  Keep in the back of your mind an imagine, sitting down for dinner and your kids eating whatever you put on the table.  It’s really about staying focused, consistent and creating a routine.   You are the Oz!  A house will not fall on you, promise!     

We Started with Sweet Fruits 

It seemed to be an easier sales pitch.  Next, was baked chicken which was cut up in nugget size portions.  (check out the Bisquick Chicken Fingers recipe link below) He was a bit more impressed with the faux chicken fingers.  “Mc Donald’s is gooder” he would say.   We would make minute gains each day. First, it was one homemade chicken nugget. Then, he learned he loved tangerines, then we found a cereal.  Albeit, Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  Variety was part of the process.  As, he tried new foods he would sometimes request his ole’ favorite.  He looked forward to the once a week Mickey D’s  treat.  And so, did I- no kitchen duties!   Slow and steady wins the race.

My Grandson Knew

He was changing.  He felt a sense of pride and you could see the fast food did not taste the same to him.   His little sweet face was always so, transparent.    We did not “make” him eat anything.  But, we were firm.    The rule was to at least try each item.   It was a long road.  Six months later, he had a totally new pallet.  By adding, each item in slowly he became familiar with food choices and options.    Sometimes, he  would even ask to try this or that on his own. I promise, this will get easier and you are going to rock those ruby slippers!   Today, he is a  healthy 11 year old and will eat just about anything.  Except, cooked carrots.   I can live with that!  

Weaning the Little Guy

Fortunately, the baby was not eating solid foods yet.  Weaning him was a bit easier!  I was able to start out with a variety of baby foods and blended home cooked veggies.  My approach was simple, if it could be mashed or pureed, it was an option.  One of his favorites:  Roasted beets and sweet potatoes! 

It’s important to introduce foods you may not care for, as well.  Don’t make the decision for them.  If it were up to me, fried, poached or eggs of any kind would not make it on my stove top.  They are my least favorite.   Just the same, I would cook the boy’s eggs.  It was a fast and easy meal.  Especially, if you take advantage of the precooked microwave bacon.   Today, the oldest boy makes eggs for he and his brother most weekends.  Making them part of the meal prep helps with their choices and food options.  Now and beyond.   BTW, they both love eggs.  I still don’t!  (the boys say just try a bite, Mom Mom!  LOL)

You Can Never Be To Busy

I’m preaching to the choir. Busy lifestyles have made time a valuable commodity.  Now, is the time to ensure our children do not pay the price.  We,  as parents must be concerned with what our children are putting into their bodies.  Sure, it’s ok to go out and enjoy restaurants and fast food.   Think of other options for time to time, like enjoying a prepared meal kit in your own kitchen or checking out recipes on Pinterest.  Eating at home will save a ton off your food bill.  Plus, something you can’t put a price on.  Conversation at the dinner table.  Priceless!     Now, if we could do something about those dishes!

Here’s a few tips to get started.

7 Tips to Convert a Picky Eater

• Parenting is not all fun and games. Stand your ground and know this will take more than a few days. 

• Be sure to include your child’s help in food prep. They love being part of the action and more likely to try new things.

• It’s OK to use food as a “treat” Mc Donald’s has a place, occasionally.

• Allow them to pick between two items at the grocery store- apple or pear, for example-getting participation is part of the journey.

• Make homemade chicken nuggets. Use real chicken breasts, LOL  Betty Crocker  has a delicious Bisquick chicken finger recipe-here’s the link.    The kids will love to help!

• Desserts are the prize, if they eat their meal. Winner, winner!

• Be sure to give positive accolades and feedback. They will beam!

In conclusion

Allowing kids to control what they are having for dinner is like giving a toddler a diamond ring.  They would not know what to do with it.  Good habits need to be taught and modeled. 

Monkey See, Monkey Do!  What’s up with “chicken nuggets”? Bet, you have witnessed millennial parents ordering  chicken nuggets.  Are food choice habits inherited?  Think about it.  Maybe, parents are following their parents habits.  Maybe, that’s why I eat like my grandparents.   Hmm, be the grand change!  

One home-cooked meal is a start!  Our children deserve to experience non processed, greener, healthier food options.   And they will love to help you in the kitchen.   

 Now, that truly is a happy meal! 

Happy Meals Are Coming Your Way!

〰️

Happy Meals Are Coming Your Way! 〰️

"We are the caretakers of their body, mind and soul. Parenting is about nourishing their whole being. Love is the main ingredient. The belly rules the mind. Feed it well.