It is so exciting when your infant starts learning how to eat real food. To move from bottles and formula to …maybe the standard cheerios. Then delving into the world of real food head first. So many cuisines, so many flavors! It’s all so exciting. But being a parent you, have to remember that not only do you want your child’s taste palette to expand, but it needs to be done in a nutritious manner. Easier said then done, trust me. So what do you do if you’re the one stuck with a picky toddler who has even pickier eating habits?
*What a Picky Eater is Not
First, let’s identify what a picky eater really is before jumping to conclusions that meal times are going to be catastrophic for the next few years. Lets save ourselves some stress wrinkles if we can.
*Typical Toddler Taste Palette
Now, all children who are learning to eat for the first time are going to have some adverse reactions to some new foods because of flavor, texture, color, you name it. Think about when you buy clothes. You’re attracted to a certain kind of fabric, color palette, maybe a specific designer, etc. It’s the same with food.
I am sure you all have a favorite cuisine and why not! Well children are the same way, except as toddlers, they are still in the exploratory phase. Just because a child does not like mesclun greens, does not make them a picky eater. That is typical. Just because a child does not like green peas or all green vegetables (remember color can cause an adverse reaction too!) does not make them a picky eater.
*Understanding Your Toddler’s Responses
When thinking about your toddler trying foods for the first time, they are going to want to do so gradually. They will dip a toe in before jumping in. So keep this in mind when trying to introduce new ingredients and cuisines. It does not mean that you cannot, or that you must do so slowly. You can do whatever you’d like. But by remembering this, you will have a better understanding of their response.
*Your Child is a Picky Eater if…
Now lets look into what a picky eater actually is. It is most important that once your toddler starts eating regular food, they maintain their nutrition levels at the rate needed for their development to be strong. Therefore it only makes sense that we fill their plates with all the basic vegetables that come to mind right? Carrots, peas, broccoli, corn, etc.
*TV dinner Syndrome
Because we also want to keep the flavors mild so as not to turn them off from the meal, most vegetables and other ingredients are pretty much served boiled. So think about what type of food you are actually putting on your toddler’s plate; boiled noodles or plain white rice, possibly some plain slices or cubed meat, and boiled bland vegetables. There you have it parents. You are basically serving your Toddlers, who are experiencing food for the first time, a TV dinner. Seems a lot less appealing when you equate it to that doesn’t it.
*How to Resolve a Picky Eater
So how do we resolve a picky eater you ask?
1. It’s All About Exposure
Consistent and constant exposure. Unless you continuously provide opportunities for them to be trying new foods (i.e. vegetables, spices, etc.) They will not become accustomed to it. It is just like any other habit, it takes time to build. So create the opportunities for them.
**And just a reminder here**: You do not need to be their friend all the time. Do not succumb to the wails for animal crackers, or gold fish. That is not food! Nor is it nutritious! Once in a while maybe. But that is just another habit they will learn to follow just like eating foods that are better for you. Which one do you want to foster?
2. Serve Meals You Like!
Say no the the TV dinner kids meals. Goodbye lunchables, and serve quality meals you like. And get creative! If your toddler is having a hard time with veggies, mix them into a veggie quesadilla, they won’t even see them! If they like fried rice, make veggie fried rice. You could also put veggies and fruits in smoothies. Make fruit ice cream with them. There are so many different recipes you could try. And they do not take a long time so no excuses here. Smoothies take five minutes.
Most importantly keep the flavors and textures on rotation. Always keep incorporating new ones. Remember exposure is key!
*Summary
All children will have to go through a process of adapting to new foods once they are incorporated into their meal times. Start teaching positive habits around food early, such as exposing them to an array of different flavors consistently. Exposure is key! If you’re already having trouble with your toddler being a picky eater, try new exciting recipes and incorporating their necessary nutritional ingredients in new and exciting ways!
Remember that picky eaters are made through bad habits, so start to good ones now! Any picky eater can be turned around!
If you like this post on picky eater basics 101, or have any questions about more specific concerns or strategies, leave your comment below.
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