Picky Eaters!

Answer this for me...Do you have a picky eater in your family? 

If you answered yes, I might be able to help take the "icky" out of your picky eater!

Lets face it, the majority of a parents day revolves around food. When you have a picky eater in the house mealtime is anything less than pleasant. Not only is it frustrating it can sometimes be worrisome if you feel your child’s pickiness is leading to nutrient deficiencies. This is a common problem in a lot of households.

So...what do you do?

While I may not possess a PhD, I do have some amazing info to share with you!

Here are some things I have learned along the way that have helped me avoid pickiness in our daughters eating habits:

• Breastfeeding can prevent pickiness (yes, research has suggested this)
• In early childhood, pickiness is more of a control issue (the "NO" and "MINE" stage as I call it) 
• Introducing little Lucy to foods the rest of the family is consuming (very mashed up of course) as soon as she’s ready.
• If something you have prepared has turned up a nose or two, give it a break and try serving it in a few weeks (taste buds are always changing)
• Don’t put a value on foods...like dessert (as we all probably have done a time or 10 by saying things like "if you eat all your dinner you can have ice cream for dessert!")
• Offer a small sweet dish along with dinner as it puts the control back into the child's hands by letting them choose when they can eat their apple slice with honey on it or a small serving of yogurt.
• Limit the amount of snacks kids are getting
• Limit the amount of milk because this makes kids feel full

MOST IMPORTANTLY:

• Take into consideration that your child may be having issues with the foods they are eating like acid reflux or an allergy, this can really make children uncomfortable when eating certain foods.

• Eat at least 1 family meal a day. Studies have shown this helps teenagers deal with peer pressure...so start eating together now and build up a family tradition!

No matter what age, trying to get your kids to eat epic wholesome food is never "easy". 

Here are 5 ways to get kids into healthy eating!

1. BE A ROLE MODEL! Set an example for your kids

2. Take kids to your local farmers market, or to a farm. Have them see where good wholesome tasty food comes from and all the hard work that goes into farming. Our kids are our future!

3. Prepare smoothies or shakes

4. Add broth to just about everything you can. Broth is one of the most nutrient dense food you can feed your family.

5. Make kids your mealtime helpers (if age permits) 

Bye Bye Lays greasy chips! Helllooooo nutrient rich and tasty Kale chips!

(below is a photo of my daughter happily enjoying the kale chips she helped me make!)

So there you have it! Some easy and fun ways to get kids involved with eating good foods and some helpful ways to take the "icky" out of your picky eater :)


Blessings All,
Super Model Momma