Q: My four-year-old son is one of the pickiest eaters I have ever met! His diet consists mostly of applesauce, grilled cheese and juice. Any help for a desperate mom?
A: Dearest desperate mom,
I hear your frustration and have witnessed this hair-pulling scenario many times in my own family and in practice. My first advice to you is: Don't panic! The palate and dietary likes and dislikes of a child constantly change. In other words, once a picky eater does not mean your son will always be a picky eater. In terms of your little fusspot, the key is to meet his dietary needs and open him up to other tastes, textures and food options. A four-year-old's nutritional requirements vary according to growth rate, body size and physical activity, however, the average caloric intake ranges from 1,300 to 1,700 kcal/day. Keep in mind that young children have small stomachs yet large energy needs. Feed your children smaller meals at a higher frequency such as three meals and two snacks daily.
As for the fussiness, I do not recommend ending up in a food fight with your little guy as this will only make matters worse. Research shows that with repetitive exposure to a food item, combined with a calm approach by the parent (this is key!), a child will eventually eat a once rejected food. That said, if your child is well nourished, I am a big believer in honouring a few of a child's dietary likes and dislikes. Everybody's palate is different and kids should be able to exercise preferences without consequences each and every time.
At mealtime, offer your child 2-3 healthy options. If they choose not to eat what you have offered them, that is OK, I promise you they will not starve. In a short while you will hear the little pitter-pattering of feet in the kitchen asking for a healthy snack.
Page 1 of 2 – If all else fails and you have to get a little sneaky to get healthy food into your kids, try the following six tips, found on page 2.
