Why Adding Variety is Important When Preparing Food

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Why Adding Variety is Important When Preparing Food

Simply Cooking - Food & Drink

Written by KC Kudra

Tuesday, 16 December 2008 09:08

When you have small children, feeding them can be a chore, especially if they are fussy eaters. Their nutrition is very important, and there are ways of getting them to eat even if they do not want to. Such dishes as homemade chicken noodle soup, crockpot chicken noodle soup, hotdogs, or pizza are always favorites.

by KCKudra

When you have small children, feeding them can be a chore, especially if they are fussy eaters. Their nutrition is very important, and there are ways of getting them to eat even if they do not want to. Such dishes as homemade chicken noodle soup, crockpot chicken noodle soup, hotdogs, or pizza are always favorites.

Even though it might take longer, it is a good idea to make a few different dishes so your child can choose what he wants. You might like to ask him what he fancies for dinner to get a guaranteed winner. Of course, if he suggests "chocolate brownies and ice cream" you might have to think of something else!

Encourage your child to take a no thank you bite of each of the dishes that you prepare. This way he or she will at least taste the food before disliking it. Nine out of ten times, he or she will like the dish and possibly ask for more.

Another way to encourage small children to try different foods is to name the food with the name of their favorite fictional or cartoon character. Harry Potter Pancakes or Garfield Lasagna will get a smile from your child and they will probably tuck in, just because of the name. Children identify with shows they enjoy and if they think they are eating their favorite cartoon foods, they will probably eat all their meal.

Making fun, colorful dishes can encourage your child to eat. Red, green, and yellow bell peppers add color and you can call this Christmas casserole. You can make chicken noodle soup and call it Daffy Duck soup or something, just to make sure it is eaten.

Children are fussy when they are small and they know what they like. If something appears unappetizing, you won't have much chance encouraging them to eat it. Children depend on you to get them to eat healthy foods.

If you enjoy cooking, you can involve your child in the preparation. If a child is able to be part of the cooking process, they are far more likely to enjoy the results because they are proud to have helped to create it. They would prefer homemade chicken noodle soup, which they have helped with to "the stuff in the red and white can."

If there is a food, your child doesn't like, but it is necessary for the recipe, you can mince it in the food processor when your child is in another room, before adding it to the pot. Your child won't be able to see or taste it in the final dish but they will be getting the nutrition from the hidden ingredient.

When you are feeding a child, sometimes these alternative methods help. The main thing is to be flexible while still providing adequate nutrition. Simple meals like chicken noodle soup, lasagna or grilled meat with a sauce and vegetables provide excellent nutritional value. Nobody wants dinner to be a battleground and if you follow these tips, it doesn't have to be.

About the Author:

For a great chicken vegetable soup we cover chicken and soup with great recipes and helpful information. This and other unique content 'soup' articles are available with free reprint rights.