At home this could translate into a very simple solution. Put more out for kids to pick and choose. For example, at dinner, don't just offer cooked carrots, offer cooked carrots plus a plate of raw veggies like pea pods and pepper sticks and a plate of cut up apple slices, orange sections and grapes. Leftovers can be stored carefully for freshness, or creatively used in spaghetti sauces, soups or salads. What is more important, and hopefully less stressful, is to follow what your child eats over the course of a week, not just one day.
Preschoolers have erratic eating patterns, often preferring just one or two foods.
Research has shown, that over time kids will usually self-select a varied diet to get the nutrients they need. By providing a wide variety of nutritious foods for them to choose from, you are increasing their chances of getting their five or more fruits and vegetables a day. Remember, don't focus on any one day. In the long run what's most important isn't individual food choices or a single day's intake, but rather the overall nutritional picture. Keep in mind that little ones can't eat much at one time, so they need to eat more frequently.