Picky Eaters

As you are planning out meals for the week, do you have to factor in a picky eater?  Does mealtime become a struggle?  Do you worry that your children aren't getting the nutrition they need?  If so, you are not alone.  Picky eaters are actually very common.

In fact, studies show that one in five pre-schoolers is a picky eater.  Meaning they don't eat what is served.  They may prefer only fruits or veggies or maybe yellow food!  Whatever it is, they have a preference for one type of food for a period of time. 

As the meal-preparer and planner, that can be hard to accommodate.  And, it creates concerns about whether your little eater is getting all the essential vitamins and nutrients.  Experts say new and different foods are important, so don't give up.  Ginger Donald is a Clinical Dietician and a Mom.  She explains, "it could take several, several times of introducing something.  And over time, they may come to accept it and they may nibble a little bit of it.  But, it's also said that you should just attempt something three times and if have written it off that third time, then you should put it away for a couple weeks and then bring it back."  So, we want to keep trying and introducing new and different foods.

And, experts say we should respect our child's appetite -- or lack of one.  If he or she isn't hungry, don't force them to eat.  You don't want them to associate mealtime with frustration or anxiety.  Stick to a routine when it comes to meals and snacks.  Serve things about the same time every day.  Make mealtime fun!  Look at different ways to serve up the things they don't like.  Maybe cut foods into fun shapes with cookie cutters, do breakfast for dinner or serve fun sauces with fruits and veggies.  And, get your little ones involved in the meal planning and shopping.  Have them help at the store picking things out.  They can even help get the food ready or set the table.  Experts tell us when our kids are involved, they're more likely to eat!

For more information on picky eaters, click here .