How I Learned to Love New Food (Even the Healthy Ones!)

Hi, I’m Emily!

You might call me a picky eater (my mum does sometimes). There were so many foods I used to refuse to eat. Green things? Nope. Mushy things? Not a chance. But then, something changed, and now I actually like trying new food—even broccoli! (I know, right?)

I’m going to tell you how my family and I turned mealtimes from “Yuck!” to “Yum!” with some fun tricks and a little help from Future Foodies.

Make Trying an Adventure

Did you know that tasting new food can be like going on a treasure hunt? My parents told me that every new food I try is like finding a hidden gem. We even made a chart where I get to put a star next to each new food I taste. When I try five new foods, I get to choose a fun prize like a family movie night or a trip to the playground. It makes me feel like a food explorer!

Fun Shapes = Fun Mealtimes

One day, my dad made my lunch look like a smiling face. Carrot sticks for hair, cucumber slices for eyes, a cherry tomato nose, and a cheese smile. It was so funny that I couldn’t wait to eat it! Now, we sometimes have star-shaped sandwiches, dinosaur-shaped toast, and veggie sticks arranged like a rainbow. Eating new food in fun shapes makes it less scary and way more exciting!

Future Foodies Turned Me Into an Artist (and my parents too) 

At Journey, we do this thing called Future Foodies. We get to play with our food (in a good way!) and create fun snacks. One time, we made apple and grape caterpillars. Another time, we made “traffic lights” out of red, yellow, and green peppers. We even got to invent our own sandwiches! Being a “food artist” made me want to taste my creations because I worked so hard on them.

Tiny Tastes First

Trying a whole plate of new food is scary. But just one tiny bite? That’s not so bad. My mum calls it the “no pressure, just a nibble” rule. If I try just one little taste, it’s okay if I don’t like it. And guess what? Sometimes, that tiny taste turns into a big surprise because I actually do like it!

Mixing Old Favourites with New Ones

I love pasta. Like, a lot. So, when my mum wanted me to try zucchini, she added tiny pieces to my spaghetti. At first, I wasn’t sure, but it tasted almost the same. Now, I’m okay with zucchini (as long as it’s in my pasta!). Adding new stuff to my favourite meals made trying them much easier.

Cooking Together Makes Fun

Helping out in the kitchen makes me feel like a grown-up. When I get to stir, pour, or sprinkle ingredients, I’m excited to see how everything tastes at the end. One time, I helped make veggie muffins, and they were so good! It’s like magic—when you make the food yourself, it tastes better.

Future Foodies Helps 

Future Foodies isn’t just about eating; it’s about making food fun, colourful, and creative. I learned that food can be silly, surprising, and even a little messy (which is the best part!). Now, I’m braver about trying new things, especially when it’s something I made or decorated myself.

What’s Your Food Adventure?

If you’re a picky eater like me, that’s okay! Everyone has foods they don’t like. But with some fun shapes, tiny tastes, and a bit of creativity, you might find new food you do like. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll even like broccoli, just like me!

Happy food adventures!
Love, Emily

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Tips and Facts for Parents

Trying new things is a journey, and every child is different. Here are some research-backed tips to make it easier:

1. It Takes Time: Studies show that children may need to be exposed to a new food 10-15 times before accepting it. Keep offering it without pressure.

2. Role Modelling Works: Children are more likely to try food if they see their parents or siblings enjoying it.

3. Get Them Involved: Letting children help with shopping, washing, and preparing food can make them more excited to eat it.

4. Stay Positive: Avoid negative language about food. Instead of saying, “You won’t like this,” try “Let’s see what you think.”

5.  Small Portions, Big Wins: Offering small, manageable portions of food can reduce mealtime anxiety.

6. Fun Names Help: Calling broccoli “little trees” or peas “green jewels” can make food more appealing.

7. Make It Routine: Trying food should be a regular part of family mealtimes, not just a one-time event.

Remember, every child’s relationship with food is different. Celebrate the little victories, keep mealtimes relaxed, and make food an adventure!

 

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