There’s an expression, “we eat with our eyes” and that’s certainly true for kids. The visual appearance of food has been shown to influence our perception of enjoyment before we even take our first mouthful, and the more appetising a meal looks, the more likely fussy eaters are to try it. If you visit places to eat in Wembley, you’ll notice that food which is well-presented piques children’s interest more, whether it’s on their own plate or a grownup’s. With that in mind here are some top tips for making food look appealing for little ones.
Consider colour
Beige food such as sausage rolls, chicken nuggets, chips, and white bread are those that tend to carry the least nutritional value, yet they are often preferred by picky eaters. Try introducing brighter colours alongside their favourite foods in the form of carrot or cucumber sticks, slices of red apple or mango. Children are drawn to bright colours when they paint or create, so getting them used to bright colours on their plate is the first step to encouraging healthy eating habits.
Pride yourself on presentation
Food that’s presented in a creative or fun way helps children to engage with it. Presenting a meal with flair can be as simple as arranging it into the shape of a face or using cookie cutters to create star-shaped sandwiches and arranging fruit ‘planets’ around them. Some parents get super creative, making volcanoes out of mash and gravy with broccoli trees dotted around. If you have the time and inclination you can really have fun with presentation, but it really doesn’t need to be a work of art to appeal to a young child.
Don’t load up the plate
Too much choice can be overwhelming for little children, so resist the temptation to put lots of different foods onto their plate. Depending on their age and how picky they are, you can either put three or four new foods out for them to try or simply include one or two for them to choose from, placed alongside familiar foods.
Dive into dips
Where appropriate, include a familiar dip or two to make new foods more appealing. Children may be more open to trying cooked carrot, for example, if they can dip it in ketchup first. Fruit, meanwhile, may be more appealing with a side of yoghurt or honey. Dips also provide a sensory element which is especially important for infants and toddlers to explore.
Prep together
While this isn’t possible if you’re going out for food in Wembley, at home you can involve your child in the preparation of food. Allow them to help you slice fruit, stir sauces or grate cheese. This gives them a sense of ownership over the food and can encourage them to try the finished meal.
Discover delectable children’s dishes at Studio Five
At Studio Five restaurant, we have a simple yet delicious children’s menu that kids are sure to love. All our dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients and served with flair to make them appealing to young diners. View our menu online and book a table today to enjoy fuss-free eating with children.
