If you have a child that is very fussy when it comes to mealtimes, it can be a worry. You might be concerned that your little darling isn’t getting the right nutrients if they prefer an entirely beige diet of pasta, bread and potatoes. To combat this lack of interest and desire to try new foods, you have to be assertive and follow a plan to get your child off of the carbs. Without the right vitamins and antioxidants, your little one risks lower immunity and may pick up more colds and bugs. They may also put on weight because their food choices may not be healthy. Conversely, they might lose weight because they would rather go without than not have their usual cheese sandwich for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take a look at these three sure fire strategies that’ll see your fussy eater trying new food.
Go Slow
If your little cherub loves nothing other than cheesy pasta or ham sandwiches, you can’t expect to put a Moroccan tagine or a spicy chicken tikka in front of them and expect them to eat it. They will turn their nose up and retreat into themselves. Instead, start small and go slow. Introduce new foods in small spoonfuls and always ensure that you try the food too. Set a reward system for your child trying new flavors and tastes. Don’t go for the exotic and opt for blander food first that is relatively inoffensive. Broccoli, peas, and sweet potato are great to start with as they have a natural sweetness yet are full of nutrients.
Eat With Pals
Positive peer pressure can be beneficial when trying to get your child to try new food. It can take up to fifteen separate exposures to foods before they become a staple part of your child’s diet so there is no easy fix. However, when your child is at the park having a picnic with pals, they may be inclined to try the hummus or the olives if they see their friends tucking in and enjoying it. Many children are nervous when it comes to food. This isn’t something that we can control as parents, but it is something we need to try and nip in the bud early. The longer you let the fussiness continue, the harder it is to break. Ensure that you stay strong and always try to break the beige food habit.
Get Kids Cooking
If your child is a tad older and can help out in the kitchen, check out the Kurbo reviews detailing the sort of family-friendly eating plan that you can follow that includes a wide variety of exciting and tasty grub. When children are more involved in the cooking process, they are more eager to eat what they have produced. Always keep the cooking and eating environment calm. Don’t ever force-feed your child or shout at them for not eating. This can cause more serious issues such as eating disorders or anxiety.
Never consider using sweets as a reward for chowing down on vegetables. It might be tempting, but this will become a nasty habit that can result in your child putting on excess weight and developing a destructive relationship with food.
Follow this guide and you will soon be morphing your fussy eater into a happy foodie.
Candy TaiCANDY TAI is a wife to David and mom of 5 with a degree in Communications. She's a native Texan (Hook 'Em Horns!) who's been making her home in the Kansas City metro area for nearly 15 years. She loves being able to shuffle her kids from their various sports activities, piano lessons, and school activities. She enjoys fashion, beauty, reality TV, and moviegoing.
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