Healthy Eating Don't give up - it takes up to 15 exposures to a food before kids accept it.

Kids Eating Healthy

Every parent knows the nightmare of dealing with eating ruts, dinner skipping, and basic picky eating from kids. So what's a parent to do? In order to have faith that your kids are getting enough to eat beyond grilled cheese and chicken fingers, here are some ways that Seneca can help expand your kids' culinary and nutrition horizons.

Use a different Seneca product every day in as many variations as possible.

• Because it takes up to at least 15 exposures to food before a kid might accept, parents often give up after a few attempts. Continue to encourage them to try, but don't force the issue.
• Avoid the "clean plate" deal which can further negative impressions. As long as your child takes a few bites, it's better than nothing.

Get creative and load up kids' favorite foods with Seneca vegetables or fruit.

• Dazzle your kids with color by giving them a broad range of choices.
• Add alphabet noodles or fun shapes to vegetable soups.
• Cut veggies and fruit into shapes or arrange faces on the plate to create a "fun time".
• If everything else fails, camouflage. Adding vegetables to sauces, omelets, pizza, and baked goods can give them an "added boost" to nutrition.
• Keep quick, healthy snacks available for the "Mom, I'm starving" moments. Having Seneca Oatmeal & Fruit, Apple and Potato Chips, or Libby's Single Fruit Cups in the cupboard allows for a healthy snack in seconds.

Make foods to "Dip & Dunk" - Seneca has many products that can be used as dips.

• Kids love having command over their food. Blend vegetables with sour cream or fruits with yogurt to create dips for raw vegetables and fruits.
• Create salsas to pair with baked torilla chips.

Get Kids Involved

• Just 15 minutes of letting them help can eventually pay off into healthier eating. Kids feel more control and independence which can inspire them to try new things.
• Have your kids list their favorite foods when preparing the grocery list; then stock up canned and frozen Seneca products.

There are plenty Seneca fruits and vegetables and a little bit of preseverance, creativity, and patience will help your children discover their favorites.

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