If you have a child with picky eating habits, there is a new book out to get you thinking outside of the lunch box.
Karla Heintz, a Canadian Nutritionist and health expert, has been working with families who have trouble on the nutrition front for almost a decade and she has just released a book on her findings.
The book is called “Picky? Not Me Mom” and Heintz says it goes far beyond just packing a school lunch.
It ranges from how to set a good example to how to overcome the picky eater syndrome.
Heintz says if a child makes a fuss about what is made for dinner and the parent makes a special meal for them – the child will pick up on it right away and continue to do it.
Heintz says it is important for parents to stand strong and set the rules and boundaries.
The book includes several tips on how to encourage healthy eating in a positive way.
Heintz says she creates “a magical plate” which is made up of cut up veggies and is left in the fridge – And when you call it magical the kids know they can eat off it at anytime.
She says making healthy food fun is the biggest key.
Heintz says if you can dip it, sip it or spread it – It will be a hit with the kids.
If you are going to be packing your child a lunch this year, Heintz warns to not get stuck in the sandwich rut.
She says if you feed your child the same thing everyday they will get board with it and end up trading it at school, throwing it out or just bringing it back home not eaten.
Instead she suggest having a bit of fun with their lunch like adding skewers with veggies and meat cubes or a homemade nacho platter.