How Trying 100 Foods Before One Helped Us Overcome Picky Eating | Free Checklist Included!
Do chicken nuggets rule your life? Does the thought of your child eating something green make you laugh nervously? If you answered yes, you’re not alone – and you’re in the right place.
We were two lifelong picky eaters raising our first baby, until he helped us expand our taste buds, one brave bite at a time. Here’s how two picky parents made intentional choices to raise a more adventurous eater; and how you can too.
Our Picky Past, and Why We Wanted Change
Growing up, both my husband and I were extremely picky eaters. Pepperoni pizza, chicken nuggets, everything PLAIN. The only exception was I liked some vegetables and he liked ketchup (which is not a vegetable, in case you were wondering).
It was such a running joke in our relationship that I even put it in our vows:
“I will always be the order of chicken strips to your cheeseburger only ketchup.”
As adults, we’ve grown a little, but the label stuck. When our son reached the age to start solids, everyone asked:
“So… is he going to be just as picky as you guys?”
It was the moment we decided: No! We don’t want to pass our picky habits down.
Why Early Food Exposure Matters
Here’s the part no one told us: your baby’s first year isn’t just about nutrition. It’s about neural wiring.
Babies are born with open taste buds and curious palates. Research shows that the first 12–18 months are a critical window for developing food acceptance. During this stage, they’re forming preferences based on texture, smell, color, and even how you react to foods.
So, if you’re constantly saying “ew” or sticking to the same 5 safe foods, your child learns that pattern. But if they see you try something new, even if you make a funny face, they learn bravery through imitation.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about exposure. Even one bite counts as a win.
The 100 Foods Before One Challenge
We came across a challenge of 100 foods for babies to try before turning one, and it completely changed how we approached food. After making the list my own, we were ready to go.
The list included the basics like carrots, bananas, pasta, but also foods we’d never buy for ourselves, like avocado, salmon, and quinoa.
So we made it our mission:
Try every single one before his first birthday.
Every grocery trip became a little adventure. We’d grab something new; sometimes exciting, sometimes intimidating, but always together.
I’ve made this checklist available to download for free down below!
What We Learned From Trying 100 Foods
As we moved through the list, we tracked what our baby loved (and didn’t). Pears and raspberries were big hits!
We also made one rule: Never tell him if we liked or disliked it first.
That meant we tried everything, too even the boiled and pureed chuck roast. (Yes, that happened 😅).
And here’s the surprising part, it helped us as much as it helped him.
We discovered new favorites (I now love edamame!) and learned that my husband actually enjoys hummus. When you’ve both been picky for years, it’s easy to stay in your comfort zone. But this challenge pushed us out and it’s made all the difference.
What This Teaches Kids (and Parents)
1. Food is exploration, not negotiation.
Kids naturally resist pressure, but they thrive on curiosity. When food is framed as “Let’s explore this together,” the power struggle tends to disappear.
2. Modeling is everything.
Babies and toddlers watch how you eat, not just what you offer. When you show excitement (even fake it at first!), it normalizes trying new things.
3. Variety builds confidence and nutrition.
Exposure to different textures, colors, and flavors strengthens fine motor skills, gut health, and food flexibility. It also reduces the risk of long-term picky eating.
Tips & Supplies I Recommend + Meal Time Favorites:
- Laminator – Protects your sheet and allows you to make changes with your child’s palate.
- Dry-Erase Markers – Easy to update and track progress without reprinting.
- Baby Food Containers – So you can batch make purees and freeze them!
- Toddler Safe Utensils – Safe for little hands.
- Suction Cup Plates – Stick to the table to minimize mess.
Affiliate Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog!
Final Thoughts
Looking back now, I’m amazed by how much our son has tried and loved. But even more than that, it’s changed our relationship with food.
Overcoming picky eating wasn’t just about him learning to eat new foods. It was about us learning to model curiosity, patience, and fun at the table. Whether you’re starting solids or stuck in toddler mealtime struggles, remember — food should be fun. I hope this checklist helps you as much as it helped us!
❤️ Until next time
