Dear Sue:

My husband and I are expecting our first baby soon. My husband refused to eat vegetables as a child, and his mother didn't force him. He is now 26 and still refuses to eat them. It is frustrating for me, because I love a lot of different foods. What really concerns me is setting a good example for our children. How can we teach them to eat veggies and other delicious foods if my husband refuses them? I feel like I am the only person with this problem. I would appreciate some advice.

Kris

Dear Kris:

You are most certainly not the only one with this problem. And I hope you can find lots of helpful suggestions from others in the same situation who will post their thoughts on the Ask the Nutritionist message board.

Forcing a child or an adult to eat something will only backfire. A person needs to come to terms with food on his own. It may be that your husband learned to dislike vegetables because they were always served to him overcooked and tasteless. Or perhaps he didn't see his parents eating and enjoying vegetables.

Childhood eating habits are deeply ingrained. But having a baby is a great inspiration for change. Many people give up smoking when a baby enters the house. I think it will be an intellectual, emotional and behavioral change that your husband will have to make.

Talk it over with your husband. Come to a compromise, and work in subtle ways. Since he, like a lot of people, dislikes a number of foods, you'll have to accentuate the positive. Find out what vegetables and fruits he does like. If you are home from work before him, prepare some crisp, fresh veggies and yummy dip. He will probably be so hungry he'll eat a few and like them. Make some homemade soup and sneak in some peas and carrots. Instead of broiled steak or baked chicken, throw some vegetables into a stir-fry.

Have patience, be positive, and good luck

Take Care,

Sue Gilbert, M.S., Nutritionist