Sports dietitian to the Australian Netball Diamonds, Kerry Leech, has named pasta among the top meals to tempt fussy eaters.

According to Kerry, parents who struggle to get their children to eat a balanced diet should consider how they can use popular pantry staples – like pasta – to their advantage.

“Pasta is a great meal option for children,” she said.

“It is rich in grain based carbohydrates which are essential for a healthy body and digestive system and it tastes great too.

“One of its advantages is that vegetables and protein can be incorporated into meals in a more subtle way.

“Piles of vegetables sitting on a plate can be overwhelming for children, bur when pureed or cooked as part of a sauce they are much less obvious.”

Ms Leech said it was important for parents to persist with problem eaters to ensure their nutritional needs were met.

“It can be a challenge to accommodate fussy eaters, but parents cannot afford to let their children develop poor food habits,” she said.

“Persistence and innovation are the key.

“Try new recipes and flavours, and experiment with a wide range of foods.

“Growing children need variety in their meals. A staple like pasta can be used as a base for a myriad of different vegetable and protein rich accompaniments.”

Ms Leech said another great way to help problem eaters was to involve them in the cooking process.

“In my experience, if a young child is actively participating in food preparation, they will be excited to eat the results of their hard work,” she said.

“If you can involve a child in planning a menu and shopping, and give them simple cooking tasks they can manage safely such as chopping and stirring, they will develop a much keener appreciation for their food.”

Kerry’s top tips to win over food fusspots: 

• Hide vegetables and protein in sauces or in purees
• Experiment with different flavours and textures
• Involve children in food preparation and menu planning
• Explain the nutritional benefits of different food groups
• Provide incentives and rewards
  

Kerry Leech is one of Australia’s leading sports dietitians.  She works with the Australian Netball Diamonds and is a partner at Eat Smart Nutrition Consultants in Brisbane.  She is also a consultant to the Queensland Academy of Sport, the Queensland Firebirds and Queensland Roar.