I was really nervous about going gluten- and dairy-free because my DD was such a picky eater and most of her favorites were wheat- or dairy-heavy. However, once I did make the switch she became much more willing to eat a variety of foods. I really think there is something to the whole opiates theory where our kids get addicted to the "highs" that gluten and dairy gives them to the point where they refuse other foods. Once I got DD weaned off the problem foods, she started eating things that she had previously refused.

I agree with the pediatricain colors and packaging really influencing thier decision. They also has difficulty to control their hands. Sometimes they really want that food but just as the word does not come out they can not touch the food either. I sometimes just put 1 teaspoone to taste even though he can feed himself. I keep it on the table and there is quite a few times success.

I never forget the parent who said in the McCarthy book, that she had to buy boxes from the fast food chain to make the child to eat home cooked nuggets. This idea had helped me too. My son had strong constiaption and little stomack for any food. I had to work on his constipation and his choice of food. I have noticed that he would take food from the table if there is "no pressure to eat". I would put rasins, nuts, cheese to snack more often (something that does not go off easy). He would run to the table pick like a little bird, run off and again pinch some food. Today he even picks celery or pickles from the "buffey" on his table. His personal choice is still the fatty foods and anything that someone who is on a diet would pick :berries, celery. The buffey stile eat whenever whatever has helped to grow his stomack.

My grandaughter is the same way! Her new pediatrician told me thatshe eats only beige colored foods.. I did not notice... lol..
The pedi was not too concerned because she eats chicken.
People on this site use food therapists and specific programs to help introduce new, healthy foods. Go to questions and plug in food therapy and it should bring up many questions and answers from other people on this site. Hope this helps! :)

My son will not eat most fruits and veggies because of the textures, but will drink just about anything including veggie/fruit juice with a strong veggie aftertaste. I have experimented a lot with smoothies for him. He likes smoothies with very little seeds (raspberries are not good, too many seeds) and a thicker consistency is better (similar to soft-serve ice cream). I use bananas, pineapple, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, and add in veggies carefully but not enough to make a strong taste. I add in frozen zucchini, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, anything I can get away with. I use milk or coconut milk and add a spoonful or two of greek yogurt. I add a little bit of ground flax seed to encourage regularity. You could also add protein powder or peanut butter. You could adapt this to any diet. If I have leftovers I put it into popsicle molds and have "smoothie popsicles" for snacks. For years this was my son's main nutrition. I have burned out many blenders! :) It might be worth a try. For the first smoothie you try, I would suggest sticking with flavors that they know and like. If needed, add a little honey or chocolate syrup to sweeten it up. I add an extra banana and that usually works fine. The key for my son is to make sure it is all blended very well so there are no surprise chunks. I bought fun special cups especially for smoothies and fun straws. I honestly think that smoothies may have saved my son's health. You could also try juicing, but I like smoothies because I think the fiber is so important. I hope some of this helps or at least gives you ideas to try something else. Good luck!