Dealing with a Picky Eater: Strategies for Healthier Habits

Question
Laura,

Thank you for your time.  I have a nine year old son who is the pickiest eater in the world.  He hates to try new foods.  It is a fight to get him to eat vegetables and whole grains.  I love these things and his sisters eat them as well.  How can I change his bad eating habits and teach him to like more healthier foods?  Thank you.

Answer
Dear Tanya, You really can't change him if you are offering the foods he likes as a substitution for the other foods he doesn't like. Kids will not starve. If you don't buy pasta, mac and cheese, pizza, fast food, and other foods like that, he will be forced to eat chicken, fish, lean meats, whole fruits and that occasionally vegetable. If he doesn't eat those foods he might get a little hungry and will eventually try the only food that is available to eat. If he does eat chicken, fish, lean meats, low fat dairy, corn and potatoes, then don't worry, he should be fine. Hope that helps, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com