5 Foods Your Child Has Never Tried and Just Might Love

May 06, 2009

by Kelly Leahy

I don't know what I did right with my kids but they'll eat just about anything. My eldest is especially willing though she's getting a bit pickier now. I think that's entirely because of social pressure to be difficult. But I digress, I have always fed the kids what I am eating. I was too lazy and cheap to pop open jar after jar of baby food or boil a bunch of carrots to puree and freeze. The introduction of food never made me tense -- they either ate or they didn't. I think that this has helped them to develop a wide range of tastes.

Here are five foods that my kids love and yours might too.  

Sushi. Preschoolers love carbs and with rice as the primary ingredient in Japanese food, you're off to a good start. Sushi rolls are pint sized and perfect for little hands. Start with a cucumber roll and move up to the maguro (raw tuna). If you raw fish makes your squeamish, remember that the shrimp and crab is always cooked. Don't forget the chopsticks! 

Hummus. My 18-month-old scoops hummus into her mouth by the fistful. Hummus is comprised of chickpeas, tahini and various seasonings. It is generally a good source of fiber, protein, vitamin C and iron. You can cut small wedges of pita bread or carrots and encourage dipping. 

Fresh Veggies. Your kid won't eat vegetables? Grow your own. My kids will eat anything that comes out of the garden because we all have invested so much in it. If you can't grow your own, stop by Hollygrove Market or your local grocery store and let Junior do the shopping. Encourage your preschooler to pick a new vegetable to try. Odds are they will and it might become a new family favorite. 

Go exotic. Don't be afraid to bring your kids to a Thai or even Moroccan restaurant. Menus from around the world are likely to feature some sort of rice or noodle dish. Ask your server to bring you simple versions with sauces on the side. Start with that and then encourage your preschooler to venture off their plate. 

Soups. For whatever reason, my kids LOVE soup. I was never a big fan but I'm a total convert now. Amy's makes some good versions of favorite vegetable soups but we usually opt for Alessi's packaged mixes (especially the Sicilian Lentil). If you make yours from scratch you and can add all sorts of vegetables and proteins into the pot to form a complete, nutritious meal.

Kelly Leahy is the New Orleans City Editor for The Savvy Source. You can read more of her work every day at Being Savvy New Orleans.

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