Feeding your little one can turn out to be quite a stressful job if they are picky eaters. Think about it. Is your little one extremely picky about what they eat and don’t eat? Or would they rather choose to play than eat? You’re not alone here. Many parents are concerned about what their children consume and do not consume. Here are a few tried and tested methods you can follow to make sure your little ones get their food on time without being too fussy!
When a fussy eater isn’t hungry, don’t try to force-feed him…but don’t starve him either
The timing of a child’s development spurts can affect her appetite from week to week. You don’t want to feed your child if he/she isn’t hungry, but you also don’t want them to go too long without eating.
Learn the biology of food neophobia, the fear of trying new food
Keep in mind that your picky eater’s taste evaluations may differ from yours when you try to persuade him to try different meals. Therefore, attempt to discover exactly what your small one is fond of eating or what she or he feels like consuming. Also don’t forget to make these new dishes colorful and interesting to their eye.
Combine new and old foods to create a delicious meal
If your picky eater suffers from neophobia, or a fear of trying new foods, you can trick his palate by combining new recipes with flavors he already likes. In addition, studies show that when a child is first exposed to a new food, even if it is bitter or sour, he or she is more likely to accept it.
Replace drinks, cookies, candies, and other goodies with fresh fruit.
Too much sugary, starchy “junk” food might stifle a child’s appetite for more nutritious food, putting him or her at risk of obesity. You can always reserve sugary drinks and snacks for special occasions or as a special treat.
When your child isn’t feeling well, keep an eye out for unusual difficulties and avoid trying new meals.
If a picky eater claims to despise a certain dish, it’s a good idea to check for signs of illness. Although food allergies are widespread, there are additional factors to consider. Acid reflux or heartburn could affect some children. Conditions such as migraines can also be brought on by certain meals. When your child is sick or queasy, it’s always a good idea to avoid serving new foods.
Get kids involved in the growing and preparation of food
Let your picky eater get more involved and understand the preparation of the meal. Talk and educate them about the benefits of each fruit or vegetable. The benefits explained will make them realize that eating them is going to only make things better for them. However, you have to make sure you do this in an attractive and playful way to grab their attention throughout.
Eat on a regular schedule.
Every day, serve three meals and up to three snacks at regular intervals. Between meals and snacks, simply provide water. This will keep your child hydrated and prevent her from becoming overly full before mealtime. This way, she’ll be hungry when she arrives at the table.
However, if you suspect your child is a serious picky eater with severe dislike for certain food items or extreme preference for certain food items, it is always advisable to for a medical opinion. They can assist parents who are dealing with this issue in learning to apply a system that encourages youngsters for eating new foods and expanding their diet.
