Fussy eating is a common behavior in children, and they also begin to develop food preferences as they grow up. A favorite food might become a non-favorite all of a sudden, and foods generally disliked might become their favorites. Do whatever it takes not to get frustrated by this typical toddler behavior. Simply settle on the healthy foods available and realize that, with time, your kid's hunger and eating habits will be figured out.
Effective Tips to Overcome the Picky Eater Phase
Family Time
Share a meal with family as much as possible, which means no media interruptions like TV or mobiles at mealtime. Grab this opportunity to demonstrate healthy eating. Serve one dinner for the entire family, and fight the temptation to make another dish if your child rejects what you've served. This just empowers fussy eating.
Try to include at any rate one food your child likes with every meal and keep on giving balanced meals.
Have Patience
If your child decides not to eat food, do not fuss over it. Children need to figure out how to tune in to their bodies and use hunger as a guide. Forcing children to eat or punishing them in case they don't can make them effectively loathe foods they may otherwise like.
Don't Bribe
It might be tempting to bribe your child if they don't eat a certain food but resist the temptation. This can make the "prize" of food much more exciting, and the food that you need them to eat will become an upsetting task. It might cause some trouble during mealtimes.
Try, Try Once More
Just because your kid denies food once, don't give up. Continue to offer new foods that your child didn't care for previously, it can take as many as 10 attempts for your child's taste buds to accept it. Scheduled meals and controlling snacks can help ensure your child is hungry when another food is introduced.
Offer a Variety
Offer a variety of healthy foods, including vegetables and fruits, and incorporate higher-protein food sources like meat and deboned fish at least twice a week. Help your kid explore flavors and textures in food. Try adding various spices and flavors to meals to make them more delicious. To minimize food waste, offer new foods in small quantities and wait for at least a week or two before reintroducing the same food.
Make Food Fun
Children are particularly open to trying foods that are prepared in an eye-catching and innovative way. Make food sources look irresistible by arranging them in fun, colorful shapes. Children love eating foods that come with a dipping sauce. Finger foods are a hit with the kids. Cut solid foods into bite-sized pieces so they can eat by themselves without the risk of choking.
Set out to really utilize your child's developing interest in practicing control. Let your child pick which leafy foods to make for dinner or during visits to the supermarket or local market. Read child-friendly cookbooks together, and let your child choose new recipes to try.
Cook Together
Some cooking assignments are ideal for children (with supervision, of course): sifting, mixing, stirring, counting ingredients, picking new spices from a nursery or windowsill, and "painting" on cooking oil with a pastry brush, to give some examples.
Food Bridges
When food is accepted, use what nutritionists call "food bridges" to introduce others with a similar tone, flavor, and texture to help expand the variety of what your child will eat. If your child likes pumpkin pie, for instance, try introducing squashed yams and crushed carrots.
Try Pairing
Try serving new foods or flavors (sour or bitter) with familiar foods children normally like (sweet and salty). For instance, you can blend broccoli with grated cheese (salty). Your child will love it. In case you are worried about your kid's eating routine, talk with your pediatrician, who can help investigate and ensure your child is getting all the essential supplements they need to develop.
Also, remember that picky eating generally requires patience and persistence. Do your best to guide your little ones toward healthy eating, and the above 10 tips will help you achieve that.
Reference
- https://www.childrensnebraska.org/10-tips-to-deal-with-picky-eaters/
- https://www.parents.com/recipes/nutrition/picky-eater-strategies/
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/nutrition-fitness/common-concerns/fussy-eating
- https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/how-can-i-cook-meals-even-picky-eaters-will-eat
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