Know A Picky Eater?

Know A Picky Eater?

Children can be difficult to please when it comes to food. Some children may not very adventurous when it comes to trying new and different types of foods. Just like many adults, kids might prefer to stick to their “comfort foods” which tends to lean more towards carb and sugar rich foods which may not sufficiently deliver other important nutrients that growing children need.

What are they potentially missing out on?

It is no walk in the park for parents to manage little picky eaters. But as far as possible, parents should try to make mealtimes interesting and try to encourage their mini-me to try out different healthy foods (we are talking fruits, vegetables, protein foods e.g. tofu, fish, legumes).

An unbalanced diet can result in a lack of important nutrition essential for optimal physical and mental development. Here are some nutritious and vitamin-rich foods that children commonly shake their heads and purse their lips tightly at:

How do I handle a picky eater?

It is easy to just throw in the towel and give in to picky eaters when they constantly reject foods you are trying to get them to eat, especially when you’ve spent time slaving over the stove to cook them. Plus, most parents are concerned that their child is not eating enough, so they rather give in and let their child eat something they like than not eat at all.

We feel your struggle, so here are 6 tips for parents to help little picky eaters along…

Schedule meal and snack times

It is easy for children to overdo on snacks and then complain that they are too full to eat their lunch or dinner. Try to limit your child’s snack time and snack portions. A good snack schedule might be to keep to twice a day – one between breakfast and lunch, and one between lunch and dinner. Avoid letting your child snack just before their actual meal times to avoid disrupting their appetite for their main meal. Research shows that kids are more receptive to try something new when they have their 3 meals and one to three snacks a day at relatively consistent times¹.

Serve kid-friendly portions

Getting sufficient nutrients is important, but portion control is too. When meal portions are too big, it may look intimidating to children. Try serving smaller portions upfront especially when introducing a new type of food. If your child is enjoying the food, he/she will naturally ask for another helping.

Avoid using sweets or dessert as a reward

If you often find yourself promising your child a reward with sweet treats or dessert to make them eat their meal, you need to resist that temptation. Negotiating or “bribing” children with dessert will lead them to associate dessert as a “well-deserved treat” and over time, this may increase their desire for dessert and/or other sugar-laden foods. This practice may also teach them to make deals in exchange for a reward for other things.

Instead, try offering healthier options as “dessert”, such as fruits. While phasing out the treats and substituting them with healthier options may be difficult, be firm and consistent. Eventually, your child’s hunger will serve as a motivation to eat his or her meal.

Get your child involved

Bring your children grocery shopping and ask them for their help to pick out the foods or fruits you would like them to eat. While preparing their meal, they can also help with rinsing, stirring or even setting up the table. With their involvement in the process, it may motivate them to eat what they have helped to prepare.

Set a good example

Children would mimic the behaviour of people they are close to. It is important for parents to set a good example for their children. When you eat healthy, and enjoy eating healthy, your child is likely to follow suit. Also, minimize distractions such as the T.V or iPad during mealtimes. When children spend their focus and attention watching the television or playing a game while eating, they lose interest in their food.

Supplements

For children who are extremely picky, not having sufficient and proper nutrients can affect their mental and physical development. Hence, a supplement that is formulated with gut boosting nutrients to improve your child’s appetite and digestive health can help turn your feeding struggles into success.

LAC Appetise Junior is specially formulated with L-Lysine, Vitamin B Complex, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics and Gentian Extract to alleviate uncomfortable digestive symptoms that your child might face, especially when they are under the weather. The ingredients help boost your child’s appetite, providing the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

L-Lysine promotes your child’s willingness to try out new food, encouraging healthy weight gain and nutritional intake. Vitamin B Complex consists of Vitamin B5 and B9 to support growth, Vitamin B3 and B7 to regulate metabolism, Vitamin B12 to improve neurological health, and Vitamin B1, B2 and B5 to boost your child’s energy production. This is further enhanced with Digestive Enzymes – an extract of botanical fruits that aid in the breakdown of food and promote nutrient absorption.

As your child might not change their eating habits as quickly as you would like, and it might be difficult to monitor what they eat all the time, a convenient way ensure that they still get all the nutritional support they need would be from various targeted supplements. LAC Junior and Children's Health range of baby and kid supplements cater to the nutritional needs of your child. They come in liquid form, chewable tablets, gummies or jelly, so there is something for everyone! Help your child grow strong and healthy with each milestone today!

¹ Cicero, K., & Perez, D. (n.d.). Picky Eater Rehab: Proven Strategies For Kids Who Won't Try New Foods. Retrieved August 16, 2019, from Parents: https://www.parents.com/recipes/nutrition/what-to-say-to-a-picky-eater/