8 tricks nutritionists use to ge

7. Take them out to eat

Part of having kids learn to eat better is getting them to try new things. “Some of the best experiences I had with my kids trying new food was in a restaurant,” Ansel explains. “They’re happy to go out, they’ll experience things in a new and different way, and the food will probably taste better too.” Healthy restaurants are trendy now, Ansel points out, so you could take your child to a place that specializes in good, nutritious food and they likely won’t even know it. “You don’t even have to mention that the food is healthy,” she says.

8. Give them some control

According to Angelone, “build your own” dinners, like taco, pizza, or even salad nights can be a fun way to let your child have some autonomy over what they eat, while giving them healthy foods.

Overall, nutritionists say you should just do your best. “Don’t stress too much about your teen’s eating habits,” says Cassetty. “Hopefully you’re laying down a good foundation for when your teen becomes more independent.” Ansel agrees. “If you keep putting the right foods in front of them, eventually they’ll catch on.”