Fussy eaters

Question
Hi. I have the fussiest husband you can imagine. He says he doesn't like much meat, yet he only eats minced beef. He won't eat any type of steak or roast beef. If it's chicken, it has to be boneless.  He salts his food before he tastes it.I can count on my hand the nember of items that he likes.I have tried so hard to introduce to him new recipes. There is no way he will eat low fat stuff. For him the greasier, the better. He is not overweight and is physically active but often complains of constipation. Should I just leave him be or should I try to get him to eat a more varied, less fat diet?

Answer
Hi Carol,

It is difficult to try and convince people to make changes if they don't want to do it! I'm sure you are very frustrated. Of course, it would be better for your husband to eat a healthier, lower fat diet. Is he at all motivated by health consequences of his actions? As he gets older, he is more likely to develop health problems from poor dietary choices. You mention he already suffers from constipation, which is common with a lack of high fibre foods in the diet (along with not enough fluid). There must be at least a few healthy foods he likes. Work with what he already likes for now. Maybe continue to cook main meals he enjoys, but offer some healthy vegetables, salads, etc on the side. Keep fruits and sliced up veggies available for snacking, along with things like popcorn, whole grain breads, etc. Does he like any kind of legumes? Even something as simple as a bowl of chili would increase his fibre intake considerably.

There is a book I think you might find helpful, called _Stealth Health_ by Evelyn Tribole (a dietitian), which offers many options for "sneaking" healthy ingredients into favourite foods. It is likely available at your local library.

Good Luck!

Karen

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