[blparent] thoughts about food

[jan wright]

I like Bridgit's suggestions and think that they ring true for
families with picky eaters.
Sometimes, it is fun to shop at international markets so that you can
see all of the fruits and vegetables available.
Your child can say: "Hey Mommy, what is that, maybe that would be
good." You buy it and find some way to fix it.
We have found many favorites this way.
Even talking about healthy food and/or playing games about food helps.
When my children were young, I lived in a very small town and  did not
get out much. I felt closed in and wanted my children to be exposed to
**something.
So, each time we went to the store, we would pick something that we
had never eaten and try it out.
Sure, sometimes it was an eclair or bacon wrapped scallops.
But, sometimes it was a new fruit or vegetable.
Also, when/if you go to a restaurant, try eating different things and
letting your child try different things.
Encourage fruits and veggies before desserts in the buffet.
I think that there are picture books out of different kinds of
vegetables and fruits. You could read about them and that might spark
your child's interest.
Also, if you go to ethnic festivals, your child might be willing to
try a new food.
Sure, some are fried and sweetened, but some arent and it is about
expanding your child's pallet.
Try organic honey (but not with infants or tots under two) instead of sugars.
i stay away from the artificial stuff and the fructos. i would rather
do natural sugar.
i had to learn the hard way to spice your food up, but without all the
salt. Salt tastes good, but sometimes other spices such as garlic,
turmeric, basil, oregano, cardamom and/or  thyme can add some flavor
and you don't need to add as much salt. i am hoping that my baby won't
be hooked on salty foods as i was. And, yes, we use seasalt when i
cook, but you don't need to use nearly as much.