Sunday, January 4, 2009

The Secrets of Getting Your Kids to Eat Fish

By Michael Byrd

Have you ever considered yourself committing child abuse even once in your life? This does not mean beating your child or whatever way you may describe it. Because if not giving your children a regular dose of fish is a form of abuse, then you are guilty.

Well, maybe because you really just don't want fish in your dishes. But that does not mean you can escape conviction. You are already grown up. You don't need to get away from the consequences of your actions because you know that you are what you eat. But your children do not know yet the consequences of not eating fish. And because you know the possible problems by doing so, it is almost a sin not letting them have what their body needs.

It's time to cut the crap. Come to think of it, it would be best if you will simply do something about it. That is, learn how to encourage your kids to eat fish.

Take it from me; I know that children will most likely follow instructions if you will teach them by example. Usually, they do what we do and they live with this until they are teenagers

And so, just as what the experts keep on saying, teach them by example and while they are still young. The message is clear - to teach your children to eat fish, you must first start eating fish. Of course, it's not easy to get used to the taste or maybe because you have not just bought a fresh one. But it should not be a problem. You can always fix them. Here's how:

Fish is fish and it will never ever taste like pork or chicken. If that is how you want to put it. The way it will taste "fishy" would mean buying fish that are not fresh. Freshness can create a great impact on the fish taste. And so, it is important that you only buy the freshest fish in order for you to enjoy its taste.

Find the right recipe. If you go for fried foods, have your fish fried. If you like the soups, then make a fish soup. It's just a matter of knowing what you want and using fish as your main ingredient. In this way, you and your family will get to like the taste of fish because you have prepared them the way you have always wanted your food to be.

Experts say that it is simpler to build up your liking for fish by starting first with a mild tasting fish. This does not include salmon because even if it has the highest omega 3 fatty acids, it is also highly flavored. So you'd better start with those in the white fish group such as sea bass or grouper. Little by little you will get used to the fish taste and eventually you will like salmon. Do it this way and everything will be easier for you and your family.

Start it early. Start it right. You can start introducing fish to your children as young as 6 months old by giving them fish oil. You will soon be surprised that they are craving for more. And by the time that they get to eat out with you, they will order fish more.

For those who belong to the older age group, especially to those who have already created a preference for pizzas and potpies, encouraging them to eat fish may seem like a miracle. But you can still do something about it. Just stick with the tough love and be firm with what you will do. Follow the suggestions mentioned earlier and be firm on creating the menu. If it is fish, then stick to it. When they get hungry, they will eat.

Just remember, you are doing this because you want them to be healthy and live life longer. So why don't you give these suggestions a try? Keep in mind that eating fish influences your child's behavioral development as well. And you know that if everything goes well, you will benefit from them too. Just teach your kids to eat fish. In the end, you and your children will be happy you did.

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