A meal made up of foods with different sizes and shapes will be more interesting than one of foods with similar forms. Vary the shapes of vegetables. Carrots can be cut in circles, strips, chunks, halves or left whole. Limit the number of mixed dishes in a meal - serve a combination dish with a plain fruit or vegetable. Use lowfat cooking methods such as boiling, broiling, roasting or baking.
Some foods are best when served at room temperature.
Generally include both hot and cold foods in one meal. Plan the rest of the menu around the main dish. Try to keep meal preparation time to 45 minutes or less. Planning menus as a family can be a helpful learning experience for children. Plus, if they have helped plan, they are more likely to eat the meals.