One technique that works for me is to use something that they do like on their plate, for leverage.

For instance, place a meal in front of them that includes items that they like (say, bread, because you mention it), plus a few pieces of something that you would like them to eat (meat/turkey).

If they are like my kids, after they gobble up their favorite item (bread), they'll ask for more. I'll say, "When you eat 2 pieces of meat/turkey, then I'll give you another piece of bread." (Don't back down.)

This always works for us -- they'll shove the meat into their mouths just to get another piece of what they really like. In this way, we've gotten them to try new foods.

(But try to resist exerting too much control over food. As long as they are eating a variety, they are probably doing fine.)

You may have tried this, but you didn't mention it so I'll throw it out there. I know some little ones have been convinced to eat meat by offering different sauces... ketchup, BBQ, sweet & sour, somehow the dipping makes it fun and more interesting. And some kids will simply use a spoon to scoop up the sauce so it may not work. Otherwise, you may need to just keep offering it and maybe they'll come around. In the meantime, you could try to give them other protein sources like eggs, beans and assuming no allergies, nuts (which are very good in lots of breads if you go the sneaking it in route).

HI, As a Twins Mama :) - fraternal boys - the best advice we've gotten on the boys was our pediatrician.He said to have the boys try two bites of what we serve. You may start with one. I think we did and then we added one on a birthday. :) My mother who raised the five of us to love all foods and a healthy variety said, to reintroduce the food ten times before their palettes get accustomed to it. I do agree with always having one of their favorites on the plate. All the best. It's fun to share ideas. Oh, my one last favorite advice I've received is to let them determine when they are full. Makes senses. ;)Warmly, Carolina Mama

Every child is so very different and all children seem to go through this. Our taste buds are always changing so what a child may like one day, they may not the next. It is hard keeping up with them.

I would recommend Just Take A Bite. Excellent book with a lot of ideas for varying types of children and eating issues.

We are vegetarian so meat isn't an issue. My little guy loves tofurkey.

If your children don't want to eat meat, try other protein sources. Peanut butter, beans and Quinoa just happens to be a perfect protein source.

If your children like hotdogs, then go for a healthy one. They have nitrate free or veggie ones. (Eating the ones with nitrates can increase chances pancreatic cancer by over 70% - I call the lunch meat area death row)

Make your own franks and beans, use agave or raw sugar instead of processed sugar and you have a healthy super high protein food.

I put veggies in all of our muffins. I have to cook vegan as my son is allergic to eggs. I use coconut milk instead of dairy and shred zucchini and carrots or other veggies into my muffin batter. I have these organic vegetable powders that I add to them as well to make colorful cakes and to give them a boost. Spinach, Beet and more! I also add them in to my dough when I make bread. Ronnie love green Shrek bread.

I make my own ice pops. (You can find BPA free Popsicle makers online) I use plain yogurt, agave, vanilla and then fruit and other yummys in the blender. I make them with the kids and they love it.

http://books.google.com/books?id=yWbja9JaYnEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Jus...

Thank you all SOOO much these are great tips. I have an update which is so very exciting. The boys are sitting at the table with us FINALLY & not walking around with their food. I have tried the things they like on their plate method & yes exactly as you said they eat the food they like first then a bite or two of the other food. I have tried new sauces as well (trying everything at this point) & one son loves it the other won't touch it. Just like all the food I serve, one likes it & the other can't stand it. Peanut butter is for one child & nuts another (I think I may go nuts trying to get some protein in them other than chicken nuggets) Sorry it has taken me a while to respond with thank you but as you can see I have been the galloping gourmet with my men. Thank you all so very much again. I feel a lot better about what they are eating & how I am getting them to eat it.