Grant Regional | aspire to live well | Spring 2019

NIGHTTIME HEADACHES Have a headache at bedtime? Before you turn to an over-the- counter pain reliever, check the label. Many popular brands contain caffeine, which can keep you awake. American Sleep Foundation Have a picky eater? That’s too squishy. It looks yucky. I only like noodles. What parent of a little one hasn’t heard dinnertime complaints like these? Some kids are just picky eaters, and that’s normal. The good news is that this finicky phase will fade soon. Until then, these tips may help you get your hard-to-please toddler or preschooler to eat healthy foods. 5 MAKE IT ENTICING WITH KID-FRIENDLY FLAVORS. For instance, your child may start to like baked acorn squash if you serve it with cinnamon or become a broccoli lover if you top it with cheese. 6 OFFER SMALL AMOUNTS. A pile of peas may seem overwhelming. A spoon- ful? Not so much. Offering just a taste at first also cuts down on waste. 7 GET CREATIVE. When possible, try preparing food in fun ways. For example, cut fruit into star shapes. Use peas and carrots to make a funny face in mashed potatoes. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Department of Agriculture 1 BE A MODEL EATER. Want your child to try split-pea soup? Show him or her how much you enjoy the taste. Mmm, that’s good. 2 LET YOUR CHILD PLAY CHEF IN THE KITCHEN. Your youngster will likely love mashing potatoes or measuring liquids, and kids like to try foods they help prepare. 3 BE PATIENT. It can take more than 10 tries before your child likes a new food. Wait a few days before offering the new food again. 4 TAKE YOUR CHILD GROCERY SHOPPING. Let your youngster pick fruits or veggies to try. It can take more than 10 tries before your child likes a new food. Wait a few days before offering the new food again. 7 ways to avoid a food fight

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