Exploring Fruits: Engaging the Senses at Lunchtime

Encouraging picky eaters to step into learning about new foods can seem like an impossible task as a parent. When it comes to incorporating fruits into their meals, it’s key to engage their senses and create an enjoyable lunchtime experience. Using the Steps to Eating we can change the way fruits are presented to encourage kids to engage at their level.

Visual Exploration: Colorful Skewers

By transforming fruits into bite-sized portions on colorful skewers, you can create an appealing lunchtime treat. Alternate between different fruits like strawberries, grapes, pineapple chunks, and melon balls. The vibrant presentation stimulates their curiosity and invites exploration. Use fun cookie cutters to make stars or hearts to increase interaction and interest. And even better if your child helps you make it.

Tactile Experience: Dehydrated and freeze-dried fruits

Foods that are dry and crunchy can be powerful tools in helping picky eaters explore taste for fruits without the difficulty of a wet texture. You can start by offering small portions of dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits as standalone snacks. As they become more comfortable with these fruit variations, you can begin incorporating them into other foods. For instance, mix dehydrated fruits into cereal or yogurt, or sprinkle freeze-dried fruits onto oatmeal or on top of pancakes. These additions add pops of flavor and texture that can gradually acclimate picky eaters to the taste and presence of fruits allow them to learn at their own pace with fun.

Enjoy the Smell: Fragrant Fruit Pizza

Create a fragrant fruit pizza using sugar cookie dough and spread yogurt, cream cheese, fruit dip or even vanilla icing and top with sliced fruits like berries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges. If your child is a little more adventurous with fruits you can even make a “crust” with watermelon slices and top with a fruit of their choice or freeze-dried fruits for a little crunch.

Taste Sensation: Smoothie Adventures

Blend different fruits with yogurt or milk to create a tasty and nutritious smoothie. Serve in fun-shaped cups, inviting picky eaters to explore flavors through sips. By involving them in the process and letting them choose fruit combinations, you encourage curiosity about taste.

Engaging Chewing: Texture-Rich Fruit Chunks

Encourage picky eaters to explore different fruit textures by offering chunks of fruits with varying firmness. Explore soft fruits like berries, crisp apples, juicy watermelon, or if wet textures are too difficult try those freeze dried berries for a powerful flavor without the squish.

Incorporate your senses to learn about fruit and watch as your picky eater discovers some small ways to be adventurous in ways that work with their body.