Enticing tips for picky eaters

One common concern of parents is picky eating habits in the toddler age group. Picky eating habits are often subconsciously reinforced by parents, making it even harder to encourage a more balanced diet.

Habits established in childhood often carry through to adulthood. It is well known that a poor diet can lead to later health problems such as obesity, diabetes, mellitus and heart disease.

Bernard A. Smyle, MD, diplomate, American Academy of Pediatrics, offers some suggestions for parents:

•Serve small portions of balanced foods to toddlers. Praise them for a willingness to try new foods but do not force them to eat. Do not substitute an unhealthy food if they don't want to eat; it is okay for a toddlers to skip an occasional meal.

Healthy toddlers will not voluntarily starve themselves, and with time and patience they will eat the healthy foods placed in front of them. If an unhealthy food is substituted, they will learn to become food refusers, setting picky habits in motion.

•Limit fluids to a maximum of four ounces of juice and 16 to 24 ounces of milk per day. Fluid limits are easier to establish by weaning toddlers off the bottle soon after one year of age.

Prolonged bottle use is associated with dental decay and overbite formation. Excess fluid intake also contributes to poor appetite for healthy solid foods. Thirst may be quenched with water.

•Be creative. Mix diced soft vegetables with melted cheese, for instance, and often the pickiest toddler can be induced to eat some vegetables.

Meals should also be a fun family time to sit together and interact. Everyone benefits from this.