"My Kid Will Only Eat White Food!"

by Katie Workman (Subscribe to Katie Workman's posts) Jan 6th 2009 4:00PM

Welcome to Dishing it Out, ParentDish's weekly food column. Katie Workman lives in New York City with her husband and two boys, Jack and Charlie. By day she is the Editor-in Chief of the recipe website Cookstr.com. You can read all of the Dishing it Out posts here.

The white food black hole. I feel your pain. This usually translates into "my kid will only eat starch and carbs: pasta (maybe with butter, but no sauce), rice, french fries, some Kraft mac and cheese, and assorted and sundry chips and snack-y items. And the occasional bite of pizza and a chicken nugget."

Dear readers, I may ruin our blossoming relationship here. I know well the dinnertime struggles ("One more bite of broccoli! Two more bites of chicken!") but I have to say to you -- to all of us -- suck it up, and serve real food. Here's the thing: Fritos and fried chicken taste great. They taste great to kids, and they taste great to us. But if we wean our children on a diet of starch and fried things, we don't really have much right to expect them to suddenly discover asparagus on their own.

"Well, good for you, Ms. Healthy Food Blogger from New York. You come stand over my kid and force him to shove down a brussel sprout." No, you're right; easy to say, not so easy to do. I'd love to hear your best tips for kid-pleasing healthy meals. Here are some eclectic tips from my arsenal.

Let them help. My son Charlie created a recipe for Olive Percenter (a combo of scrambled eggs with sliced olives, topped by a cooling layer of cucumber ... don't knock it til you try it.); it's called Olive Percenter "because it's 100% good," says the young chef.

Hearts of palm. Canned or jarred, these slightly sweet, slightly salty vegetables (yes, yes! the insides of palm trees, how cool is that!) totally appeal to kids and can be sliced into salads and many other dishes, or eaten out of hand like a carrot.

Edamame. Available frozen in many supermarkets and Asian markets, these need only a 5 minute boil and a sprinkle of coarse salt; kids love popping them out of their shells and into their mouths.

Shop with them. It may not happen the first time, or every time, but if you let them wander through the produce section, and pick out few things, then you have a lot more reason to think they will want to try them.

Stop serving only white food. Sorry, this is the one that hurts. If you make macaroni every night, your kids will eat macaroni every night.

Tell me what you do to introduce your kids to new foods!

Comments (19)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Susan 1-06-2009 @ 4:29PM

So, funny, I just blogged about Meal Time Dilemmas! I totally agree with you...and check this out for another angle.
www.parentingpowers.com/blog

Jillian 1-06-2009 @ 4:31PM

I totally agree with you! I was always encouraged to try different foods, and my parents prepared a variety of foods for me as a kid. As a result, I love lots of different foods and am (usually) willing to try new things.

My in-laws, on the other hand, catered to whatever their kids wanted, never forcing them to try new things. They always talk about how, if they were on vacation, they had to find a Pizza Hut or somewhere that sold chicken fingers to get my brother-in-law dinner before the rest of the family went out to eat, then he would go out with the rest of the family and just sit there while they ate. It drives me nuts hearing how they would go to such lengths just so he didn't have to try new foods.

Uly 1-06-2009 @ 8:24PM

I always say there's a reason to serve mostly (or entirely) healthy whole foods when your kid is young. It won't prevent them from getting a fixation on one food or another, but think how wonderful you'll sound when you say your kid eats nothing but broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and plain yogurt! Whereas if you say your kid only eats chicken fingers, well, people don't think much of that.

Ki 1-07-2009 @ 10:39AM

In my house both my kids know they have to take and eat a small portion of everything served (this even extends to the adults such as my hubby who hates chicken). Only when they have tried everything can they have seconds of what they like. I think setting the example of even fixing things we may not care for but will eat because it's what's cooked helps set an example they can follow.

centoguzzi 1-06-2009 @ 11:48PM

I agree with you. That was how I was raised. I am 54 now and over the years I have found that there are very few foods that I don't like.

sarah 1-06-2009 @ 9:54PM

I insist my son takes a 'no thank you' bite. That is a bite to try something and if he doesn't like, he says 'no thank you'. I refuse to make separate meals for my kids. Many parents make that mistake when they hear groans about not wanting to eat the family meal. If they really won't eat any of it (and I'll bet if they are hungry, they'll eat at least some); I give a little extra protein, fruit etc...at snack time before bed.

amberose 1-07-2009 @ 8:55AM

This is rediculous, this is why so many children in the US are over weight!!! And yes I am a mother and I occasionaly will give my children something unhealthy to eat but thats only for like a reward or something. Every meal they have vegtables and have to eat what I cook and yes they will eat it. Give me a damn break suck it up parents and quit babying your kids and grow the fuck up. They will eat what you make them eat bottom line your the parent. What has always worked for me is: Feed them dinner healthy and nutritious and always try new things, if they eat it all they can have dessert (I feed my children the recommended servings and they have to clean there dish before they are excused) and if they do not eat all there dinner fine it gets wrapped up and when they complain they are hungry latter that is all they get to eat. They learn fast that you wont cave and if they just ate it the first time around they would have gotten dessert (we give yogurt or fruit sometimes we have cookies or icecream). Its all about being the one in charge if your children know you will cave they will push you until you will. So grow up and be a parent. My kids wouldn't dare talk back to me or be violent like so many that I read about online and I believe its because I am strict and have taught them right from wrong from a young age. My son cleaned his own room at 2. Its all about routine and not caving and a reward system. Children like stability.

jen 1-07-2009 @ 10:37AM

All I can say to you ambrose is wow; I'm glad I'm not a child growing up in YOUR household. Got control issues much?!

My 8 year old is a very picky eater and yes, I have catered to it over the years. We have had the "one bite of everything" rule in our house for at least 3 years now, and she has yet to "like" anything new. I have tried the "wrap it up and save it for the next meal" repeatedly, to the point where the food is inedible. Multiple times, she has gone as long as 3 days without eating before I caved and gave her the chik nuggets/mac and cheese. Now, at this point, she eats vitamin fortified waffles in the morning with a glass of Carnation instant breakfast milk, mac and cheese and yogurt for lunch and plain pasta and chicken nuggets/hot dogs for dinner almost everyday of her life. The saving grace is I buy fortified/white meat/100% kosher beef products so that the food is not quite so "junky". Having her eat any fruits and veggies is just a pipe-dream for now!

For the record, my other child eats everything I put in front of him, including sushi, Indian food, and every variety of veggie/fruit you can imagine, so I know it is not me who "created" my daughter's pickiness - it is just the way she is. We will continue the "one bite of each thing" rule; (which she literally gags down every single night) and just hope she outgrows it someday!!

jenna foodwithkidappeal.com 1-06-2009 @ 11:15PM

bravo! the truth does hurt. a friend once told me about her 3 yo, "i hate that i don't have as much control over what she eats as i did when she was on babyfood." seriously, who drives to the store, picks out the food and pays for it? her or her kid? it is often hard to do the right thing, but it's the right thing people, so do it. feed your kids food that nurtures their growth and mind. see this link for more ideas on how to get kids eating unfamiliar things. great article and great tip with edamamme, they appeal to most kids and are nutrient dense! http://foodwithkidappeal.blogspot.com/2008/11/top-10-ways-to-broaden-your-kids.html

Julianne 1-07-2009 @ 1:40AM

Smoothies!
Buy a good quality blender and throw in a little this and a little that. I made smoothies tonight with carrots, grapes, banana, a whole peeled orange, strawberries, blueberries, soymilk, and a little juice. If you add more veggies, add a little juice concentrate to balance (and hide) the flavor. Great way to add nutrients to an otherwise bland kid's meal. After the kids know they have already been eating healthy fruits and veggies, they are more likely to try them in other forms.

Kathy 1-06-2009 @ 11:48PM

When my daughter was born, I was determined that she would eat a variety of foods, as I had done growing up. All I did was expect that she would try new things, and she did! Whatever I cooked, she ate. We had our share of fast food and treats, but on the whole, every night (once she was on solid food) I cooked nutritious meals which included all sorts of veggies, meats, fruits, and especially milk. When I gave her a new food to try, she did. My family was amazed at the range of foods she would eat at an early age. She is now 15 and enjoys a variety of international foods as well as healthy staples. And the only vegetable she does not like is peas; her favorite is brussel sprouts! We are all overweight in my family, but my daughter is not. I chalk it up to my expectation that she would eat right and try new things, and behaving on that expectation.

Mamacita 1-07-2009 @ 1:52AM

I agree with Sam Levinson: "Ask your kid what he wants for dinner only if he's buying."

When the child is hungry enough, he'll eat. A kid with food "issues" has power, and he'll use it. Don't give in!!!

A "one-bite" of everything on the table is not excessive, and often, the child discovers that he likes something! To declare that he doesn't like a food when he hasn't ever even tasted it deserves laughter, not catering. Adults, as well as kids, for that matter.

My kids were required to take a one-bite of everything. Did they like that? No. Were they in charge of my household? No. They did what I told them to do. Yes, they sometimes whined. Whining carried its own punishments. After a while, they remembered not to whine.

My kids are grown up now, and they talk about the one-bites with laughter. And they eat just about anything. Adults who are afraid to try new foods are pathetic. They were probably allowed to take Happy Meals to the Thai restaurant as children.

Please, parents, don't let your children take charge of your meals, in the house or in a restaurant. YOU are the boss. If they choose not to cooperate, let them go without. As a child, I once fainted because I refused to eat what my mother had prepared for several meals in a row. I'm still alive. And after a while, I decided maybe the menu wasn't as bad as all that.

The children are not in charge of the home. The parents are in charge. Do not give in, parents.

Michelle 1-07-2009 @ 2:21AM

Why in the world would a parent allow their child go without food to the point of fainting? That itself is neglect. Seems to me like there are a lot of parents out there who need to learn compassion and comprimise. Yes, children need to be willing to try new things, but not all things are going to be appealing to them to try. It can smell, or look a certain way to me, and I will not try it. People need to wake up and see that the best way to raise a child is not to be a hard a** jerk to them, but to realize they are our gift from God. It disgusts me to read comments sometimes because of people who feel their children are beneath them simply because they are a child, and that because the adult makes the money, pays the bills, and buys the food, they are the only ones who should have a say in the household. A child's opinion and input is just as important, if not even more important, than any adults could ever be. WAKE UP PEOPLE AND TREAT CHILDREN AS THEY SHOULD BE TREATED, WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, GUIDANCE, AND UNDERSTANDING.

Mamacita 1-07-2009 @ 3:21AM

I was a very stubborn child, Michelle, and I knew perfectly well what I was doing: I was trying to rule the roost. I remember it. I went without food because I chose to, of my own free will, rather than bend to the family rule of at least trying before deciding. I remember thinking, "They'll be sorry!" No, kids are a lot more savvy than we give them credit for, and if we let them make the rules, WE'LL be sorry.

One bite. That will not kill anybody. And adults who have these issues were probably in charge as kids, too.

Akela 1-07-2009 @ 3:14AM

Wow I raised 6 kids and we had the one bite rule also, My husband and Myself ate things we did not like with out saying a word. Some things I didn't enforce the 1 bite on were gravies, yogurt, and desserts. My daughter was 14 before she said she would like to try the gravy, so I said sure, and then she looked at me and said why did you let me get away without eating it. I've been missing this all these years and it's great. I told her because it really didn't have any nutritional value.. they now eat a wide variety of foods international as well, and are willing to try pretty much anything.. they never missed a meal, as there was always something on the table they liked, but were required to try every thing.. it was good for them.........

mightychef 1-07-2009 @ 3:18AM

One problem here is the failure to understand childrens tastebuds. Kids have a heightened sense of bitterness. This is possibly because most plant poisons are alkaloids, which are bitter. As you get older you lose some of this, which explains why as adults we begin to like broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, brussel sprouts, etc... Focus on other vegetables. There are plenty to choose from. Fresh peas, green beans, limas, carrots, celery
Kids are engineered to look for sweets. This is built into our genes. We are all looking for the most calories in the least food.
Try to keep your child out of the sweet trap from the beginning. Limit sweets. Special occassions only. Keep soda, sugary cereals and fake "juices" out of the home. Serve milk, water at dinner and for snacks.
More than anything, your children learn by example. Walk the walk and you might improve your own health too.

fransie 1-07-2009 @ 4:44AM

same here as Cathy: my kid went from the breast straight to broccoli, rice, plain yoghourt and the likes and he tries everything. For example, he does not really like sushi, but he loves olives, brussel sprouts and many other things! I think it is all a question of what you make them eat from the start, and how you take away the "powerplay" from mealtime. When my kid doesn't want to eat, it is usually because he does not feel very well and he knows best! Or because there is something more interesting going on, like a new toy. I know that he will eat at his next meal, so I never push him.

JustMyThoughts 1-07-2009 @ 12:46PM

Kids are biologically programmed to prefer plain, boring tastes until around age 5. It's actually a safety mechanism, keeping them from ingesting all manner of strange foods. Keep offering - in my experience at age 4 3/4 my older son finally began eating pizza, turkey burgers, lunch meat and other foods beyond yogurt and white rice. Not just a bite to be polite, but REALLY eating these foods. Younger son (2 1/2) eats pad thai and paella - anything that's not nailed down. I'm sure we'll have different challenges with him, but food isn't one of them!

bethany actually 1-09-2009 @ 2:57AM

I was an extremely picky eater as a kid. I had problems with certain textures and smells. Even when I wanted to like some foods, I just wasn't able to. I went through a period as a toddler when my diet was 90% Cheerios and milk, and throughout my childhood ate a limited range of foods. I did like some vegetables (raw carrots, seeded cucumbers, canned green beans, lettuce, radishes, olives) and most fruits, and my mom just tried to make sure that there were at least some foods I liked on the table. I was required to try new foods, but if it was something I already knew I didn't like I wasn't forced to eat it.

Sometime in college I started liking a much wider range of foods. Now, I eat almost anything and am willing to try new foods without coaxing.

When my daughter was nursing, I ate anything and everything--Chinese food, spicy Mexican, broccoli, garlic--all the things that are supposed to give your nursing baby gas, and never had problems. Once she started eating solids, she ate almost everything we offered her. Now she is 4.5 and loves chili, broccoli, veggie-laden stir-fries, chickpeas, apples, yogurt, whole-grain bread, rice and beans. I think part of the reason she loves a wide variety of foods is because that is what we've always given her. But I think it's also because she is just programmed that way. It makes me so happy that she loves so many kinds of food, because I would have loved to eat all those foods as a kid but just couldn't. I won't be surprised if we have another child who turns out to be picky like I was someday...but I'll also know how to deal with it.

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