[Aquaman87]

My former 11/10yo foster sons was like that without the gag reflex. We researched serving sizes, why potatoes and corn are not really vegetables, and tried to find pictures/recipes online they might like. I often minced/pureed veggies to put in chili or hide in a sauce.

Our agreement was they had to eat a full serving of everything fixed for dinner--- without complaint--- if they wanted either dessert or a bedtime treat.

I'll never forget the disheartened look of resignation when my 11yo learned a serving of lima beans is one cup. We took his plate and scraped his limas into a measuring cup and he was so dejected when seeing it exactly one serving--- to the bean! I felt vindicated while he felt defeated.

They got me back one night when I suggested adding cheese. One quickly said, "Dan, you CAN'T put cheese on EVERYTHING!" I was ready to have him picked up right then & there. How absolutely wrong on SO many levels! ;-)

The general rule is they have to eat something 5-7 times to learn to like it, or at least tolerate it. My mom bribed me with a Star Trek video if I learned to eat apple sauce for some reason as a teenager. Hey, I was a nerd. It worked although I still don't like it.