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How to Help Your Child Learn to Eat Pineapple
October 2021
Author:
Shemar Hawkins
Coauthors:
Johane Filemon, MS, RDN, CLT
Alexandria Delozier, PHD
Laura Petix, M.S. OTR/L
Erinn Jacobi, M.S. OTR/L
Stefanie Kain, B.S. M.Ed
About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
As an Amazon Associate, Kids Eat in Color® earns from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
Author:
Shemar Hawkins
Coauthors:
Johane Filemon, MS, RDN, CLT
Alexandria Delozier, PHD
Laura Petix, M.S. OTR/L
Erinn Jacobi, M.S. OTR/L
Stefanie Kain, B.S. M.Ed
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Natalie had never seen a pineapple until her teacher cut one in class. It looked so unusual to Natalie. The fruit Natalie enjoyed was normally soft, the pineapple was hard and spiky. Natalie frowned and decided then and there that pineapples were “icky.”
When her teacher offered her a slice, she immediately refused.
Her teacher replied, “Oh? You don’t like pineapple? Have you ever tried it before? Just take a bite.”
“No! I don’t want to!” Natalie shouted as she began to tear up.
Maybe you know a picky eater like Natalie who refuses to try unfamiliar foods. We understand the struggle. That’s why we want to help you teach your child to eat pineapple. This article will share:
There are many health benefits of eating pineapple. Pineapples are packed full of immune-strengthening antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C. Vitamin C helps our body fight off sickness.
Pineapples also contain a digestive enzyme called bromelain that assists in protein breakdown and digestion in the small intestine.
Pineapples also contain manganese which assists growth and helps maintain a healthy metabolism.
With these so many health benefits, it’s understandable why Natalie’s teacher wanted to teach the kids to eat pineapple.
You can serve pineapples to kids in a variety of ways. Serving pineapple in a fruit platter is one easy way to present the new food while still giving kids other options. Pineapple may also be used as a topping over yogurt or on a pizza, in a salad with greens and vegetables, or on its own.
If your child is extremely hesitant, try using very small portions, or “micro portions.” Micro portions are meant to be less intimidating for extremely picky eaters, and they can also help reduce food waste.
Also, we do not encourage the use of pressure to get a kid to eat pineapple. Pressure may only serve to increase fear and discomfort. Pressure can be hard to recognize, so here are few examples of what pressure sounds like:
“If you don’t finish your plate, you are in big trouble!”
“If it’s too smelly, just hold your nose and give it a try.”
“Natalie, your friend is eating her food, you should be more like her.”
The best way to get your kids to eat pineapple is to avoid pressuring them to eat it.
How to Talk About Pineapple to Help Your Kid Try It
Picky eating is a behavior, a behavior of communication and expression. Behaviors can be changed or reinforced.
One thing you may have noticed is that your picky child may use negative words when talking about a new food. “Pineapples are icky!”
If your child only uses negative words to describe foods, you can encourage them to use more neutral words. Avoid using positive or negative language and avoid saying, “this food is good” or “that food is bad.” Use neutral words that describe characteristics of the food. Neutral language is extremely important because when your child only speaks negatively about a food, it often reinforces their picky eating behaviors.
Modeling is also important in the development of positive relationships with food. Modeling is the process in which you as the parent, guardian or caregiver of a child provide a real-life example of a behavior you want your child to mirror. In this case, that means using neutral language when speaking about foods.
Below are neutral words you can use to explain pineapple to a child:
Bright yellow
Tart (sometimes)
Sweet (sometimes)
Big smell
Big taste
Natalie’s teacher could have introduced the kids to pineapple by saying,“Pineapples are very flavorful and bright!”
How to Help Your Child Understand What Pineapple Does in Their Body
Introducing new foods or changing a routine can be challenging for a child, especially a picky eater. It helps to understand different ways to talk about food to get kids excited to try new foods! Sharing age-appropriate information about food helps them understand why they should try it.
Children often have millions of questions about any and everything. It is easy to realize that they will also ask questions about the food you are serving.
Trying to explain what food does in their body is a great way to foster a healthy relationship with food long term. Here are a few different ways you may start a conversation about pineapple when you introduce it.
Age 0-3: Pineapple helps fight germs.
Age 3-5: Pineapple helps your body feel better after feeling sick.
Age 6-11: Pineapple, like oranges and grapefruit, are citrus fruits that have vitamin C. Vitamin C helps our bodies stay strong while it fights sickness/germs.
Age 12-18: Pineapples are high in vitamin C, which helps your body’s immune system fight sickness, like colds. Pineapples even help reduce swelling, which is helpful when you have a stuffy nose!
When introducing the pineapple to the children, Natalie’s teacher could have said, “Pineapples help fight germs and make you feel better faster when you are sick.”
Picky eating in children can be a game of patience and repetition. A child may have to go back and forth between wanting to touch, see, or smell before they are willing to try a new food.
Allowing for a no-pressure approach like food play can allow a child to become less fearful of the foreign food. Food play can open them up to the idea of tasting the food somewhere down the line.
Here is one example of a food activity with pineapple.
You and your child can play games on a phone or tablet device that involve cooking or foods.
Pineapple Photo Shoot
Age: 5+
Materials
Pineapple, sliced, cubed or whole
Plate
Camera, cell phone or tablet
Extra decorations for fun pictures (googly eyes, for example)
Steps
Place pineapple on a plate.
Take cute pictures of the pineapple together with funny filters. Or, decorate the pineapple with your decorations and take pictures of the pineapple.
Note: If your child is open to it, have a pineapple nearby as a reference to give them an opportunity to see the whole pineapple. Ask your child to describe the whole pineapple and compare it to the sliced/cut pineapple that they are taking pictures of.
Thanks for being a part of our community that’s teaching kids to eat more foods!
References:
Baylin, Jonathan. “Behavioral Epigenetics and Attachment: The New Science of Trust and Mistrust.” The Neuropsychotherapist 1, no. 3 (2013): 68–79. https://doi.org/10.12744/tnpt(3)068-079.
Benson, Jeryl D., Carol S. Parke, Casey Gannon, and Diane Muñoz. “A Retrospective Analysis of the Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach in Children with Feeding Difficulties.” Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention 6, no. 4 (2013): 289–300. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2013.860758.
Berk, Laura E. Development Through the Lifespan. 7th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc., 2018.
Bodison, Stefanie C., and L. Diane Parham. “Specific Sensory Techniques and Sensory Environmental Modifications for Children and Youth with Sensory Integration Difficulties: A Systematic Review.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy 72, no. 1 (December 2017). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.029413.
Case-Smith, Jane, and Jane Clifford O’Brien. Occupational Therapy for Children. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby/Elsevier, 2010.
Cervo, M. M., Llido, L. O., Barrios, E. B., & Panlasigui, L. N. (2014). Effects of canned pineapple consumption on nutritional status, immunomodulation, and physical health of selected school children. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2014, 861659. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/861659.
Chen, P., Bornhorst, J., & Aschner, M. (2018). Manganese metabolism in humans. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 23, 1655–1679. https://doi.org/10.2741/4665.
Cooke, L. “The Importance of Exposure for Healthy Eating in Childhood: A Review.” Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 20, no. 4 (2007): 294–301. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-277x.2007.00804.x.
Copple, Carol, and Sue Bredekamp. Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs: Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8. 3rd ed. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2008.
Hagan, Joseph F., Judith S. Shaw, and Paula M. Duncan, eds. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents (Pocket Guide). 4th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017. https://brightfutures.aap.org/Bright%20Futures%20Documents/BF4_POCKETGUIDE.pdf.
Kramer, Paula, Jim Hinojosa, and Tsu-Hsin Howe. Frames of Reference for Pediatric Occupational Therapy. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2020.
Min, Kyoung-Chul, and Yoo-Im Choi. “Review of Effectiveness Sensory Integration Therapy on Feeding and Oral Function of Children Focus on Single-Subject Research Design.” Journal of Korean Society of Occupational Therapy 29, no. 1 (2021): 101–13. https://doi.org/10.14519/kjot.2021.29.1.08.
Papalia, Diane E., Ruth Duskin Feldman, and Sally Wendkos Olds. Human Development. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Parham, L. Diane, Gloria Frolek Clark, Renee Watling, and Roseann Schaaf. “Occupational Therapy Interventions for Children and Youth with Challenges in Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing: A Clinic-Based Practice Case Example.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy 73, no. 1 (January 2019). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.731002.
Pavan, R., Jain, S., Shraddha, & Kumar, A. (2012). Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnology research international, 2012, 976203. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/976203.
Raman, R. (2020, February 19). 7 Impressive Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefitsRoley, Smith Susanne, Erna I. Blanche, and Roseann C. Schaaf. Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration with Diverse Populations. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed, 2007.
About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Shemar O. Hawkins is the Child Nutrition Fellow at Kids Eat in Color. He reads and synthesizes scientific literature and creates research briefs on child nutrition and guides to help parents and caregivers feed their picky eaters. He is currently working on becoming a Registered Dietitian- Nutrition at Texas State University.
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Natalie had never seen a pineapple until her teacher cut one in class. It looked so unusual to Natalie. The fruit Natalie enjoyed was normally soft, the pineapple was hard and spiky. Natalie frowned and decided then and there that pineapples were “icky.”
When her teacher offered her a slice, she immediately refused.
Her teacher replied, “Oh? You don’t like pineapple? Have you ever tried it before? Just take a bite.”
“No! I don’t want to!” Natalie shouted as she began to tear up.
Maybe you know a picky eater like Natalie who refuses to try unfamiliar foods. We understand the struggle. That’s why we want to help you teach your child to eat pineapple. This article will share:
Related: Learn even more about overcoming picky eating.
The Benefits of Pineapples for Kids
There are many health benefits of eating pineapple. Pineapples are packed full of immune-strengthening antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C. Vitamin C helps our body fight off sickness.
Pineapples also contain a digestive enzyme called bromelain that assists in protein breakdown and digestion in the small intestine.
Pineapples also contain manganese which assists growth and helps maintain a healthy metabolism.
With these so many health benefits, it’s understandable why Natalie’s teacher wanted to teach the kids to eat pineapple.
Related: Join BetterBites – the best selling course for the families of picky eaters.
How to Serve Pineapple to Picky Eaters
You can serve pineapples to kids in a variety of ways. Serving pineapple in a fruit platter is one easy way to present the new food while still giving kids other options. Pineapple may also be used as a topping over yogurt or on a pizza, in a salad with greens and vegetables, or on its own.
If your child is extremely hesitant, try using very small portions, or “micro portions.” Micro portions are meant to be less intimidating for extremely picky eaters, and they can also help reduce food waste.
Also, we do not encourage the use of pressure to get a kid to eat pineapple. Pressure may only serve to increase fear and discomfort. Pressure can be hard to recognize, so here are few examples of what pressure sounds like:
“If you don’t finish your plate, you are in big trouble!”
“If it’s too smelly, just hold your nose and give it a try.”
“Natalie, your friend is eating her food, you should be more like her.”
The best way to get your kids to eat pineapple is to avoid pressuring them to eat it.
Related: Need recipes with pineapples? Try Real Easy Weekdays: The Meal Plan for Busy Families.
How to Talk About Pineapple to Help Your Kid Try It
Picky eating is a behavior, a behavior of communication and expression. Behaviors can be changed or reinforced.
One thing you may have noticed is that your picky child may use negative words when talking about a new food. “Pineapples are icky!”
If your child only uses negative words to describe foods, you can encourage them to use more neutral words. Avoid using positive or negative language and avoid saying, “this food is good” or “that food is bad.” Use neutral words that describe characteristics of the food. Neutral language is extremely important because when your child only speaks negatively about a food, it often reinforces their picky eating behaviors.
Modeling is also important in the development of positive relationships with food. Modeling is the process in which you as the parent, guardian or caregiver of a child provide a real-life example of a behavior you want your child to mirror. In this case, that means using neutral language when speaking about foods.
Below are neutral words you can use to explain pineapple to a child:
Natalie’s teacher could have introduced the kids to pineapple by saying,“Pineapples are very flavorful and bright!”
How to Help Your Child Understand What Pineapple Does in Their Body
Introducing new foods or changing a routine can be challenging for a child, especially a picky eater. It helps to understand different ways to talk about food to get kids excited to try new foods! Sharing age-appropriate information about food helps them understand why they should try it.
Children often have millions of questions about any and everything. It is easy to realize that they will also ask questions about the food you are serving.
Trying to explain what food does in their body is a great way to foster a healthy relationship with food long term. Here are a few different ways you may start a conversation about pineapple when you introduce it.
Age 0-3: Pineapple helps fight germs.
Age 3-5: Pineapple helps your body feel better after feeling sick.
Age 6-11: Pineapple, like oranges and grapefruit, are citrus fruits that have vitamin C. Vitamin C helps our bodies stay strong while it fights sickness/germs.
Age 12-18: Pineapples are high in vitamin C, which helps your body’s immune system fight sickness, like colds. Pineapples even help reduce swelling, which is helpful when you have a stuffy nose!
When introducing the pineapple to the children, Natalie’s teacher could have said, “Pineapples help fight germs and make you feel better faster when you are sick.”
Related: Get our free picky eater guide, From Stress to Success: 4 Ways to Help Your Child Eat Better Without Losing Your Mind.
Pineapple Food Play Activity
Picky eating in children can be a game of patience and repetition. A child may have to go back and forth between wanting to touch, see, or smell before they are willing to try a new food.
Allowing for a no-pressure approach like food play can allow a child to become less fearful of the foreign food. Food play can open them up to the idea of tasting the food somewhere down the line.
Here is one example of a food activity with pineapple.
You and your child can play games on a phone or tablet device that involve cooking or foods.
Pineapple Photo Shoot
Age: 5+
Materials
Steps
Note: If your child is open to it, have a pineapple nearby as a reference to give them an opportunity to see the whole pineapple. Ask your child to describe the whole pineapple and compare it to the sliced/cut pineapple that they are taking pictures of.
Thanks for being a part of our community that’s teaching kids to eat more foods!
References:
Baylin, Jonathan. “Behavioral Epigenetics and Attachment: The New Science of Trust and Mistrust.” The Neuropsychotherapist 1, no. 3 (2013): 68–79. https://doi.org/10.12744/tnpt(3)068-079.
Benson, Jeryl D., Carol S. Parke, Casey Gannon, and Diane Muñoz. “A Retrospective Analysis of the Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach in Children with Feeding Difficulties.” Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention 6, no. 4 (2013): 289–300. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2013.860758.
Berk, Laura E. Development Through the Lifespan. 7th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc., 2018.
Bodison, Stefanie C., and L. Diane Parham. “Specific Sensory Techniques and Sensory Environmental Modifications for Children and Youth with Sensory Integration Difficulties: A Systematic Review.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy 72, no. 1 (December 2017). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.029413.
Case-Smith, Jane, and Jane Clifford O’Brien. Occupational Therapy for Children. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby/Elsevier, 2010.
Cervo, M. M., Llido, L. O., Barrios, E. B., & Panlasigui, L. N. (2014). Effects of canned pineapple consumption on nutritional status, immunomodulation, and physical health of selected school children. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2014, 861659. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/861659.
Chen, P., Bornhorst, J., & Aschner, M. (2018). Manganese metabolism in humans. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 23, 1655–1679. https://doi.org/10.2741/4665.
Cooke, L. “The Importance of Exposure for Healthy Eating in Childhood: A Review.” Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 20, no. 4 (2007): 294–301. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-277x.2007.00804.x.
Copple, Carol, and Sue Bredekamp. Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs: Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8. 3rd ed. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2008.
Hagan, Joseph F., Judith S. Shaw, and Paula M. Duncan, eds. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents (Pocket Guide). 4th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017. https://brightfutures.aap.org/Bright%20Futures%20Documents/BF4_POCKETGUIDE.pdf.
Kramer, Paula, Jim Hinojosa, and Tsu-Hsin Howe. Frames of Reference for Pediatric Occupational Therapy. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2020.
Milestone Moments: Learn the Signs, Act Early. Atlanta, GA: Department of Health & Human Services USA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/MilestoneMomentsEng508.pdf.
Min, Kyoung-Chul, and Yoo-Im Choi. “Review of Effectiveness Sensory Integration Therapy on Feeding and Oral Function of Children Focus on Single-Subject Research Design.” Journal of Korean Society of Occupational Therapy 29, no. 1 (2021): 101–13. https://doi.org/10.14519/kjot.2021.29.1.08.
Papalia, Diane E., Ruth Duskin Feldman, and Sally Wendkos Olds. Human Development. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Parham, L. Diane, Gloria Frolek Clark, Renee Watling, and Roseann Schaaf. “Occupational Therapy Interventions for Children and Youth with Challenges in Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing: A Clinic-Based Practice Case Example.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy 73, no. 1 (January 2019). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.731002.
Pavan, R., Jain, S., Shraddha, & Kumar, A. (2012). Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnology research international, 2012, 976203. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/976203.
“Preschooler Development.” MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002013.htm.
Raman, R. (2020, February 19). 7 Impressive Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefitsRoley, Smith Susanne, Erna I. Blanche, and Roseann C. Schaaf. Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration with Diverse Populations. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed, 2007.