Ways to Feed the Picky Eaters

CEBU, Philippines - If you are a parent, you're probably familiar with kids' mealtime tantrums. The child whines as mother sautés vegetables for dinner. He wants chicken nuggets and hotdogs instead.

Yes, it is very frustrating and stressful when the child is a picky eater. While his parents want him to eat healthy food, he prefers junk foods. He likes the taste of sugar and salt. And it is common among kids to try to assert their food choices.

Kids often vary their eating habits, the toddlers especially. As solid food is still a new experience for toddlers, they still need to get used to the various tastes, colors, and textures of the food. This variation in the eating habits may be due to their changing nutritional requirements as they grow up.

If the child exhibits strong food preferences, only consumes inadequate amount of food, and lacks interest to try new food choices - then he is a picky eater indeed. But parents need not despair. There's a way to deal with the problem. They may experiment with healthy and flavorful dishes that the kid will love; it may be simply a matter of proper preparation and attractive presentation. 

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Dolores Aboitiz Children's Fund (RAFI-DACF) believes that good nutrition and exercise are the building blocks for healthy growth and development of children, which is necessary for their lifelong wellbeing.

A picky eater shall not be bribed with chocolate cookies or candies for their sweet tooth. Offering him a variety of healthy, delicious foods more often and, as much as possible, involving him in the preparation is a much better way to encourage him to eat. RAFI-DACF suggests the following: 

Parents should set an example.

Children often take after the eating habits of their parents. If kids see their parents shoving aside the carrots and the beans on their plates, they will likely think that those are not to be eaten. It's also true with the habit of some parents relying on snacks on-the-go, such as those offered in fast-food chains. Parents should remember that children see them as role models, so they must act the part.

Moreover, offering a scoop of ice cream "if they eat their broccoli" is bad tactic, as the practice only encourages children to demand for rewards every time they eat. On the other hand, punishing a picky eater for his eating behavior only traumatizes the child, all the more making him dislike eating.

The child shall be given a variety of food choices.

It helps to make available a variety of healthy food choices in the house. Instead of storing packs of junk food, having a tray of fruits and healthy snacks - such as apple pies, tuna sandwich or banana shake - in the fridge is a better option. There shall be no pressure from the parents; children shall be allowed to take their own picks from the available choices. The kids will settle only with what is there.

Food that packs lots of nutrition into small doses is preferable, especially for toddlers who are active as rabbits but eat like mice. As much as possible, consumption of empty calories in the form of sugary, processed, and fast food shall be minimized. Also, calorie intake and portion sizes shall match the children's age and activity levels.

The dining table shall not be a battleground.

It is advisable for parents to be patient in introducing new food to the kids. If the children make a face or turn away when presented with a new food, it shall never be forced to them as they might only associate eating time with frustration and anxiety. Children often smell and touch new food during their first encounter; they may even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take it back out again. Parents shall not get angry at the behavior; they shall understand that children need repeated exposure to a new food before they take their first bite.

If the first attempts at introducing new food fail, there's no cause for parents to stress themselves out. There's always another time!

The child's tiny tummy shall be taken into account.

A child's tummy is not like that of an adult. So, food servings shall be kept small. To determine the right portion, the rule of thumb is: A toddler's stomach is approximately the size of his fist. Serve a small portion at first, to be safe, and refill the plate when the child asks for more.

The "the bite rule" may also work to encourage the reluctant eater. That is, "Take one bite… two bites…" If more bites can be pulled off, then the better. But force-feeding is a no-no. The child himself - and his appetite - shall set the pace for his meals. The bite rule only tries to get him to taste a new food, while he takes control over his eating.

It helps to do food experiments with kids.

If the kids are really picky, food recipes may be tweaked to match the children's tastes. Vegetables may even be put in without them noticing it! Sometimes all it takes is a little imagination.

For example, making a tasty dip - like using yogurt with sweetened juice - is sure to help. Another idea is blending yogurt with fresh fruits and serving it with nuts on top for added crunch. Children can then dip cut-up apple strips or cucumber sticks. Better if the children can take part in chopping up the fruits or in mixing the ingredients.

Indeed, it is good to involve the children in the food preparation. Likewise, it is good to bring the children along in grocery shopping, so they could feel ownership over the resulting meals. It is more likely that they will want to eat the healthy stuff they pick. The earlier the children are exposed to healthy eating, the better.

The "food chain" tactic helps, too.

According to feeding specialist Cheri Fraker, co-author of "Food Chaining: The Proven 6 Step Solution to Stop Picky Eating," "Solving Feeding Problems," and "Expand your Child's Diet," food chaining is the gradual offering of new food that are similar to the ones the kids already accept. It's a way of helping children learn to expand their menus.

For example, if the child only likes a specific brand of chicken nuggets, it is advisable to offer her first a similar brand. Then, slowly, a food of similar in texture and taste is introduced such as "tinolang manok." Once this becomes acceptable to him, chicken salad may be next, and so on.

Fraker said that this technique would enable kids to come to like the new food without being pressured. The "food chain" tactic helps children adapt at their own pace.

Still not working? Professional help may now be an option.

Some kids may be picky eaters because of a medical or developmental issue that needs to be immediately addressed. If a child's picky eating is already affecting his health, causing him to lose weight, it's time to ask for professional help.

The nutritionist or a feeding specialist can provide an evaluation to help get to the root cause of the problem. The doctor would then give a customized nutritional plan to address it. For example, if the child has a palate problem that makes him resistant to certain tastes, the doctor can help resolve it.

Parents should understand that picky eating habits are part of children's normal development. Children aren't being picky just to annoy their parents. When feeding their little picky eaters, parents shall not let emotions get in the mix.

(Helpful Resource: www.babycenter.com) (FREEMAN)