This news about kids’ eating habits is sure to have parents rethinking their mealtime strategies.

A UK study finds that kids who are pressured to eat certain things are more likely to become picky eaters. It’s good to encourage kids to try new foods, but important to not force them to eat more than they want to, according to MyHealthNewsDaily.com.

It’s interesting research, for sure. And it makes me consider another aspect of the finicky eater debate – when "picky" ventures into "epicurean."

I generally enjoy having my kids’ friends over to play… until it’s snack or meal time. Then I brace myself.

There’s the traditional picky eater – the one who will only eat a handful of things from the food universe. In other words, I better have some chicken nuggets or mac-and-cheese on hand.

And then there’s the fussy foodie – the kid who disdains nuggets for noodles (but NOT spaghetti – "Do you have soba?") and will eat the mac, as long as the cheese is "fontina…or gruyere?"

Like most moms, I want kids to enjoy coming to my house and enjoy the food I serve. And I try to offer as many options as possible. But while I'm genuinely impressed by kids who have a gourmet palette, and intrigued by how their parents created it, it seems there should be a line that kids don’t cross when it comes to asking for specific foods when they are guests in a friend's home.

If I’m out of nuggets, won’t a grilled cheese suffice?  (I may have American cheese, but, sorry, I only have whole wheat bread.) Alternately, if I am making quesadillas, can you just deal with the salsa out of the jar, and not ask for fresh pico de gallo?

My own kids – ages 9 and 12 – aren't perfect eaters and can certainly be picky at home. But when they are at a friend's house they know they had better follow the old saying, “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit.” They will eat the chicken nuggets. And would try the fancy mac and cheese (but probably not love it) if that’s what was offered. They would prefer ranch dressing to dip their baby carrots in, but wouldn’t request it.

Meanwhile, for kids coming to my house, there just might be olive tapenade or hummus in the fridge to dip those carrots in. But unless I bring it out, don’t ask for it.

Ranch will do you just fine.

What do you think is more annoying – picky eaters or fussy foodies?

Kavita Varma-White is a Seattle based writer and editor and the mom of two tweens. In between cheering on the sidelines for numerous soccer and baseball games, she is contributing editor for TODAYMoms.com and MSNBC.com.

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