Increasing children's food choices: Strategies based upon research and practice

Children's food choices have a variety of implications for their health and well-being. Strategies for modifying food choices have been documented by studies in the basic and clinical research literatures. This chapter discusses several methods of promoting diet changes, including repeated exposure, modifying foods, and reinforcing acceptance of novel foods. In addition to a review of the empirical literature, possible applications of these methods are discussed. The role of family influences on food selection are also reviewed and strategies for moderating or adapting these influences are discussed. In addition, in each of the sections of this chapter, the empirical literature pertaining to these methods is reviewed and possible applications of the various methods for food selection are discussed.