13 Secrets To Get Your Preschooler to Eat Healthier

Picky eaters: chances are, you’ve got one. Preschoolers are selective about the foods they will and won’t eat. This can be concerning for parents. We always want to make sure our children are eating right. Easier said than done! Try using these tips to get your preschooler to eat healthier…and to stop them from feeding the dog under the dinner table!  

1. Keep your options healthy

It’s much easier to eat a healthy diet when we only provide healthy choices at home. Stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Prepare them ahead of time so that you can grab them for a quick snack. Consider cucumber slices, ants on a log, carrot sticks, and fresh fruit as potential grab-and-go options.

2. Make eating healthy fun

Use a fun cookie cutter to bump up the “fun factor” while still eating healthy! Try cutting your child’s sandwich into a dinosaur or the shape of a star. Make faces or other designs on your child’s healthy food. Consider using raisins for eyes and an orange slice for a big smile!  

3. Just dip it

Fruits and veggies are much more appealing to a child when they’re accompanied by delicious dip! Try peanut butter, yogurt dip, bean dip, almond butter, or hummus. They’re sure to spice up any snack!

4. Don’t talk smack about veggies

You children pay attention to everything you do. If you are grossed out by broccoli, your children will be, too. Try serving veggies that you love to encourage healthy eating. 

5. Be a role model

Your children emulate everything that you do, so set a great example when it comes to healthy eating. Let your children see you fill your plate with greens. They will be excited to try them, too. 

6. Try, try again

It’s not at all uncommon for children to refuse food 10-to-12 times before they come to enjoy it. They are particular about texture, taste, and consistency. Keep serving these foods. They might just like it! 

7. No thank you bite

Have a “No Thank You Bite” rule in your home. Serve your child a nutritious new food. They can take one bite and say “no thank you” if they don’t like it. Try again next time! 

8. Snazzy snacks

Children need snacks. In fact, they need them roughly every 3 to 4 hours. Have healthy snacks at the ready! Cheese sticks and yogurt work well. 

9. Be colorful

The more color on the plate, the more enticing the meal! Try serving colorful fruits and vegetables, such as red tomato, orange carrot, and purple beets. Make a design or pattern!

10. Sneaky Greens

If all else fails, try hiding your child’s greens in a tasty smoothie or casserole. Soon they’ll be open to these foods, but there’s no shame in disguising their “grow food” in a tasty surprise in the meantime.  

11. Eat your “Grow Food” first

This one’s pretty simple. No sweets before eating your healthy food!

12. Shop, cook, and eat together

Go to the grocery store together and let your child pick out some of their own food. Work with gadgets in the kitchen, and eat your meals together as a family. The more ownership your child (and family) feels over their meal, the more they’ll enjoy it!

13. Persistence

And finally, above all, stay positive. Persist! Your child will learn to love nutritious food and there’s so much you can do to support them. When the going gets tough, don’t give up! It’s only a matter of time before they’re eating healthy foods all on their own.