On picky Primal eaters - how to introduce new foods

Hey there.

Seems like more and more parents are writing in asking how I would get picky eaters to expand their palates.

The fact is, feeding children is never for the faint of heart. It’s an entirely different dining experience – the noise, the spills, the frantic pattern of go-get-this, can-you-help-me, cut everyone’s food until your own is stone-cold — you get it.

While Primal foods can be plenty child-friendly, in many cases it’s a trickier proposition for the small set, particularly if they’re transitioning from more conventional foods.

Nonetheless, one of the few genuine priorities worth having, I think, is nutrition. When it comes to kids’ food, fighting the good fight matters – as early and as often as you can.

Here are a few things that may help your kids open up to new foods, and all of the tastes, textures, aromas, and colors that come with them.

Strategic Substitutions

Many parents find that making their own better-for-you versions of favorites allows them to preserve their sanity while making sure their kids are fed decently.

The idea is that these are foods their kids would recognize and want to eat. Familiarity is key.

Don't Forget the Dips

There’s the assumption that most kids will eat a lot of things if they can put dip on them. Why not? Kids love the concept of dips and sauces. They add to the flavor, and dipping also adds an interactive element. There's no better way to combat food boredom.

You can try:

A small side of dip completely transforms the way your little one feels about the food that you're serving alongside it. Works (almost) every time.

Try NEW Ranch Dip and Buffalo Ranch Dip!

We’re dunking on your average dip with Primal Kitchen® Buffalo Ranch Dip and Ranch Dip. Take snacking to new soaring heights with decadent, creamy taste and high-quality ingredients to boot.

Pretend the New Food Is All Yours

Nothing makes a child want to eat something more than seeing the adults around eating it and not sharing.

Try it. Prepare an unfamiliar food, don't offer any to your child, and act like it's the best thing you've ever eaten. She'll take interest before long. When you do share, she'll be more enthusiastic about trying it.

Getting your kids to eat better isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. It’s your call. Maybe you’re first and foremost anti-gluten or grains. Perhaps your main goal is promoting veggie intake. Whatever goal you commit to, you’re making a positive difference in your children’s health and opening your mind – and theirs – to the idea that food choices matter.

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