Lloyd and I got back late last night from what we called our
“Betrothal Bash” – a joint bachelor/bachelorette party at his parents’ ranch in
Texas. It was a melting pot of friends and family old
and new, from near and far. But my
dietitian friends and I were in control of the cooking, so everyone ate
(mostly) healthfully, like it or not.

Speaking of the “like it or not” style of serving food, a
new MyPyramid for
Preschoolers came out this month with, among other things, tips
for picky eaters. I’d argue many of
these apply to fussy adults as well.

• Let
  your kids be “produce pickers.” Let them help pick out fruits and veggies
  at the store.

• Kids
  like to try foods they help make. It’s a great idea for helping your picky
  eater try fruits and vegetables. Children also learn about fruits and
  vegetables when they help make them. And all of that mixing, mashing and
  measuring makes them want to taste what they are making. See a list of kitchen
  activities that your child can do.

• Try to
  make meals a stress-free time. Talk about fun and happy things. If meals
  are times for family arguments, your preschooler may learn unhealthy
  attitudes toward food.

• Offer
  choices. Rather than ask “Do you want broccoli for dinner?” ask
  “Which would you like for dinner: broccoli or cauliflower?”

• Offer
  a variety of foods and let your child choose how much of these foods to
  eat. Tips
  on helping your child recognize how much to eat.

• Offer
  the same foods for the whole family. Don’t be a “short-order cook,” making
  a different meal for your preschooler. Your child will be okay even if
  they don’t eat a meal now and then.

• Make
  food fun! Get creative in the kitchen with these cool
  ideas.