5. When Introducing New Foods to Your Kids, Use the Familiar Along with the New
Try to introduce new foods along with a familiar one. For instance, use your child's favorite seasonings the first time you're trying to introduce couscous, and serve it with his or her usual vegetables. Stick within your family's ethnic or cultural background, and always use foods your children know and enjoy as a base.
Also, look for the variety of a new food that's closest to what your kids normally eat. If your family members (spouse, kids) are steak lovers who are trying fish, opt for a dense "meaty" fish that's as close to the taste and consistency of steak as possible.
6. Do Not Force New Foods
Don't force kids or adults to eat foods they don't want. In fact, a research study has reported that when an authority figure, such as a parent or teacher, had forced a child to eat "a novel, disliked or aversive food," 72 percent of those currently in college said they wouldn't eat the food today.
More: Healthy Foods for Kids in Disguise
7. Try Eating at a Restaurant (That offers Truly Healthy, Tasty Food)
Are you afraid of cooking? Not the best person to introduce healthy cooking to the family? Plan on introducing a new healthy food by going to a restaurant known for its healthy food, presentation and taste.8. Copying Behaviors
Kids mimic the eating behaviors of their parents, siblings, peers and people they see on TV and in advertisements. While you can't control everything your kids see, at the very least make sure you eat properly in front of them. A study showed that when parents offered food to young children without letting the kids see them tasting it first, their children were less likely to eat the new food.
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