As children begin eating from the family table, their diets begin to mirror diet patterns of older siblings and adults?
As children become more independent eaters and are aware of what others are eating, be a good role model at the family table so your child can learn from you about healthy food choices and establish healthy food preferences. Include fruit and vegetables at meals, and as you and other family members eat these foods, it will increase the likelihood that your child will as well.
Some of our taste preferences are innate, whereas others are learned. For example, children will happily eat unsweetened apple puree, yet if they get used to eating puree with added sugar, the chances are they will subsequently choose it over the unsweetened version. The same is true for salty foods.
Continue to educate your child’s palate with new foods at the family table that are not overly seasoned with extra sugar and salt.
