When a one-year-old finds a food he likes, he will often seem obsessed with it, only wanting to eat macaroni and cheese, for example, or endlessly munching on cantaloupe. Part of your child's food obsession is happiness. He has discovered something he likes, a flavor or texture, and wants to continue enjoying it. Chances are that if you let him follow through with this and, at the same time, put new foods as well as favorites on his plate, he will eventually return to eating a variety. However, if you point any of this out to him, you'll set up a struggle. Instead, let him follow his own urges and desires, which will naturally bring him to want a variety of foods.

Keep the variety coming, whether your child eats what you offer or not, so that he may branch out and at least try something other than his favorites. Variety is a key part of good nutrition. During this year, your child will not be eating as voraciously as he once did (since he's not growing as much), but he will eat enough to keep growing.

Your child's food likes and dislikes do not predict what he will be like as an adult eater, but the way you teach him to relate to food can help determine whether he will have a healthy attitude toward food as he grows up. Will he eat mostly for energy and health, or will he want to eat lots of junk? Will he be able to listen to his appetite in order to maintain a healthy weight, or will he overeat and gain weight?

Try to dismiss the attitude that you have to get your child to eat. Instead, help him learn to listen to his body and eat foods that will keep him healthy and happy. To do this, ask him if he's hungry or full so that he tries to decipher the meanings of those words and how they relate to the feelings in his body. Always offer healthy foods and encourage limited treats. Explain why the foods you are giving him are nutritious and healthy. Saying, “Carrots help you see better!” or “Noodles give you energy!” may not make for the most scintillating conversation, but communicating the connection between food and the way your baby's body works will start a lifelong healthy relationship with eating.