I used to dread meal times because one of my children is a picky eater. My youngest child has always loved to eat and try new foods, but my oldest child used to have a melt down if presented with anything other than chicken tenders or pizza (a healthy version, of course). Needless to say, I had to come up with ways to make food, especially healthy foods, more appealing. Here are some tips on how you to get your picky eater to healthier, too.

Don’t buy junk. Instead of stocking your cupboards with junk food, fill your fridge with fresh fruits and veggies and make snacks from scratch with healthy ingredients instead of buying processed foods from the grocery store. If there is nothing but healthy foods on hand, your kids will have to eat them.

Add some color.Kids love colors, so make snacks and meals more colorful. For example, snacks can be a fruit salad with strawberries, grapes, and bananas or chop up fresh veggies like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower or try a wrap with different deli meats, cheese, and veggies wrapped up in a wheat tortilla.

Let them dip.Kids also love to dip, so make up some healthy dip to go along with fruit and veggies. You can even use yogurt as a dip for fruits and a light ranch dressing for vegetables.

Let them put their chef hat on.Kids enjoy helping out in the kitchen. Have your kids help you make their snacks or even let them make their own lunch. Your kids will get to be creative and are more apt to eat food they have helped prepare.

Set a good example.Kids learn many behaviors from their parents. Teach your kids healthy eating habits by eating healthy yourself.

This Turkey Wrap Ranch Wrap is a cinch to make and one that your picky eater will love making and eating.

Ingredients

8 thin slices cooked turkey

4 wheat tortillas (6 inches)

1 large tomato, thinly sliced

1 medium green pepper, cut into thin strips

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

1/3 cup ranch salad dressing

Directions
Place 2 slices of turkey on each of the tortillas. Layer with vegetables and cheese. Drizzle with ranch dressing, roll up tight, and serve. Yields 4 servings.

Tip: Instead of drizzling with the ranch dressing, put the dressing in a small bowl and use as dip instead.