  |
|
KASSIANRYBOLT
8/10/06 7:00 P
|
|
|
|
| I know that there are foods that I have not tried but they are things that I would prefer that he didn't eat like sweets and fast foods and things that most kids will eat when served but I don't want him to have. He also only has his front four teeth and I know that alot of the foods that are available are going to be foods that he will not be able to eat due to the inability to chew them up. I know that for the most part they are really good with gumming foods up, but all the foods that he can gum are the foods he wont eat. I have been told that I am over thinking it and that he will start eating when he really gets hungry, but when he starts to loose weight like he has I cant help but to worry.
|
|
METAPHIZIKAL
8/10/06 6:54 P
|
|
|
|
| Just keep trying is the advice I have gotten. When she turned 11 months old out of the blue she started throwing up food that she had eaten for months before with no problem. They said it was reflux, but I was never satisfied with that. We are to the point now where she is seeing a gastrointestional specialist and peds allergy specialist also. I know deep down there is something that causes her not to want to eat. I just can't figure out what. And I have let go of the need to feed her only the healthiest stuff in the universe. She loves french fries, I bake them in the oven, no salt and she eats them. Basically if she's eating, I'm not complaining. Are there any foods you haven't tried with him? It takes a lot of outside the box thinking, and sometimes I have to tell that mom voice that says f.fries are bad to just relax. LOL
|
|
KASSIANRYBOLT
8/10/06 6:43 P
|
|
|
|
| My has completly fallen off the growth chart as of this week since he is 13 months old and now down to about 19 lbs. I talked to my doctor about it and of course they really didn't have anything to say except stop giving him juice and milk. I guess they think that the 2 or 3 ounces of juice and milk that he has per day are filling him up to the point that he does not want to eat. I hear that girls are usually less weight and generally smaller naturaly than boys are is that the case? Has your doctor given you any ideas for your daughter and how to get her to eat, even if it is just a little bit?
|
|
METAPHIZIKAL
8/10/06 6:37 P
|
|
|
|
| I feel your pain. My daughter, Micah, is in the 20% for her weight. She is only 20lbs @ 19 months old. This is due to her pickiness and lack of interest in food. I know we all each have our own eating habits and bodies are different with the amount of fuel they need, but as a mom it drives me nuts! I am still breastfeeding because I'm so afraid of her not getting her nutrional needs. She doesn't eat and the little bit she does is very limited. I wish I had more encouraging words. But you are not alone!
|
|
KASSIANRYBOLT
8/10/06 6:27 P
|
|
|
|
| Well I have a situation with my 13 month old that is a little bit different. He is not pcky and not really unhappy with the foods that I am giving to him. He seems to be fine with all of it. And he really liked everything that I am giving him now about a month ago, but all of a sudden he has just stopped eating. He will not eat anything. He wont eat fruit, vegis, ceareal, bread or meat and I really just dont want to give him any sugars even though he might just eat that. I have come to the end of my rope. My son will not eat anything from me, and I have tried my mother, husband, mother-in-law and the daycare. Everyone is having the same results, he just wont eat. I have no idea what to do in this situation. This would not bother me as much as it does if it were not for the fact that now he is starting to loose weight after almost a week of not eating more than a bite of food each day.
|
|
HEATHER43232
8/7/06 10:51 P
|
|
|
|
| You could add fruit to the oatmeal, either very small chunks or puree it. The puree she'll never even notice and it will make the oatmeal taste sweet. Good way to get in a serving a fruit.
|
|
|
|
Meta,
Wow...that's rough! Toddlers are tough enough..but so many allergies? I wish I had a good solution for you...good luck!
However, I do have a suggestion about the allergies. Make up little cards that list all of the things she's allergic to and carry them around with you. That way, if she's with a sitter, at day care, with your in-laws, a play date, etc, every person around her can have a copy of the card so there is no question what they can not/should not give to her. Food allergies, as you know, can be very serious.
Good luck!
Mandy
|
|
|
|
Toddlers are pure evil. :-)
Experts say it takes about 10 times of being served a new food for a toddler to start to become accustomed to it and try it. The worst thing I did with my daughter (who is now 6) was to cater to her eating whims. She's still a very picky eater and it's hard to get her to try new things.
When my son was born I promised myself I wouldn't make the same mistakes with him, and when he started eating solids, we gave him what we were eating. Sometimes he'll eat it, sometime he'll throw it, but he won't deliberately starve himself, and he's a much less picky eater than my daughter.
What the experts say has proved true for us. The more times my kids' see something on their plate, the more accustomed to it they become and the more likely they are to eat it.
|
|
METAPHIZIKAL
8/7/06 10:49 A
|
|
|
|
| My 19 month old daughter is the worst when it comes to eating. She will absolutely not try anything new. I fed her only organic baby foods when she was younger. I've tried to continue a healthy theme in her life. We have recently found out she is allergic to milk, eggs, Peanut Butter and more. She also needs to see a GI Dr. She eats oatmeal, chicken and fries. Thats about it. If i even try to introduce something new she FREAKS OUT and throws a major fit and then stops eating even the stuff she does like. I've tried making homemade foods, I've tried nutritional classes. STILL NEED HELP! How can I get my babygirl with allergies to eat good food!?
|
|
|
|
| My son is 2 and He is the best eaterr. We dont have sugar or junk food in the house. He loves brocolli and any other green vegetables he can get his hands on. He has only had sugar 3 or 4 times and that was only on birthdays etc. I feel that if they never have it they cant miss it or crave it. From day one i have always offered only good foods to him and it works.
|
|
|
|
| My son is 2 and He is the best eaterr. We dont have sugar or junk food in the house. He loves brocolli and any other green vegetables he can get his hands on. He has only had sugar 3 or 4 times and that was only on birthdays etc. I feel that if they never have it they cant miss it or crave it. From day one i have always offered only good foods to him and it works.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to BRANDONSGIRL:" my daugher goes in spurts. shell eat cottage cheese only one day, apples the next and meat etc. should i worry? she is only 21 months and still takes formula.
- Message Posted by: BRANDONSGIRL3 - 7/28/2006"
My friend is taking classes to be a midwife, and she read that toddlers often eat that way - one type of food at a time, and that it's more important they get the well rounded food types in a week, rather than in one day. If they haven't been spoiled with sugar and treats, their little bodies know what they need to be healthy, and we could probably learn a lot about intuitive eating from them! 
|
|
ISABELLAMIRAC
8/5/06 9:53 A
|
|
|
|
I think the hardest thing to deal with is the diet whims my 2 year old goes through - a whole week of eating virutally nothing but brocoli, then avocado, then yogurt. Some days she eats really well, and others it's hit or miss. I don't make up "special" meals for her, I serve her what I eat, and just keep presenting all kinds of healthy foods, eventually she does eat them (even weeks of trying later). The most improtant thing for me is to honor her hunger - I never learned what full felt like, as we had to finish our food no matter what (big clean plate club complex!), and I think it's such a healthy skill, to know when you are hungry, and what is enough. She does get a multi-vit.
But it's frustrating some days, even though I know the pickies are probably just a phase!
|
|
|
|
 I got my son to eat a friutsickle I managed to get a blender not the best doesnt have a lid but it works and I made a strawberry-peach smoothie and then pored it in icecube trays and my son ate one after I get him use to the fruit sickle's I am going to try to make one with veggies and fruit (so it has a sweet taist not a veggie taist) and see if I can get him to eat that.
|
|
|
|
OK, another thing. (Sorry!)
Beverages. No soda or juice allowed. Skim milk (OK once they're 3 and older) whenever. Chocolate milk that I mix up (on the occasional weekend or when they have a playdate they're trying to impress!).
Water. My kids love water ever since I bought a case of those smaller water bottles that twist open & close. Most people drink and toss, but I just fill them up and put them back in the fridge. For a $4 investment, we have 24 water bottles that the kids can grab for themselves from the refrigerator whenever they want. They love their "icy cold water"!
|
|
|
|
| I do make my own chicken nuggets and french frys (I dont do fryed foods lol and wont let him taste them) I make them in bulk then freeze them so I can make them in a hurry. He is on a multi-vitamin I want to make sure he at least gets his nutriants the Dr said that its a stage and he will grow out of it but to give him a vitamin in the mean time, I also have only whole-wheat bread in the house but I want to get him to eat fruits and veggies and a varity of healthy foods.
|
|
|
|
Oh, one more thing that really works for us - appetizers.
When my husband or I are cooking dinner, the kids are usually hanging around, asking for something to eat (or at 5 p.m. they're "starving"). Instead of saying "you'll ruin your appetite" I got smart and started serving them appetizers - a plate with cut up veges, fruit, maybe 2-3 whole wheat crackers, etc. The more colors & things on it, the better.
The food you're (mentally) begging them to eat at dinner will often be gobbled down happily as a pre-dinner treat.
|
|
|
|
First thing I'd say is to remember that your first responsibility isn't to make your child happy, it's to make sure he's healthy.
So don't buy hot dogs. Except for birthday parties.
Bake your own chicken nuggets using whole wheat bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Make your own french fries (cut thin fries out of potatoes, toss in a bowl with an egg white, some cumin, salt & pepper, maybe a touch of chili power, bake on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then broil for another 8-10 minutes - served with ketchup, everyone will think they rock!).
Only keep whole-wheat bread products in the house.
With your doctor's approval, have your child chew a multivitamin a day (good insurance, no matter what your diet).
Sometimes your child will skip a meal or two. So be it. My mom is a registered nurse at a hospital and she'll be the first to tell you that they've never admitted a child for malnutrition because they only served healthy foods at home!
|
|
|
|
Hello All
My son is 18 months old and the most picky eatter I have ever seen the only things he wants to eat are chicken nuggets, bread products, hot dogs, and french frys. When he see's me or daddy eatting something he wants it and he puts it in his mouth then spits it out. I dont give him sweets unless its fruit but he doesnt want to eat them any suggestions?
|
|
|
|
Six weeks ago, when my husband was diagnosed with type 2diabetes, I came home and cleared the house out of all the junk. My kids (3 & 5) used to get Little Debbie type desserts every night after dinner (probably the unhealthiest thing we did with them).
Now they get "healthy" desserts. I'll cut up a piece of fruit and let them dip it into a couple of teaspoons of chocolate syrup.
Or I'll puree frozen fruit, frozen yogurt (not the ice cream, I actually freeze containers of yogurt), frozen skim milk cubes, etc. I put the mix into a sundae cup & top with a bit of almonds and they love it as much as an ice cream sundae.
Their latest favorite (& my hubbie's) are "popsicles." I bought the form at Winco (get at most discount stores or grocery stores). I puree yogurt, milk, a touch of juice (optional) and add a bit of fruit at the end (go with peach, strawberries, blueberries, whatever) so that it's roughly chopped. Then pour into the popsicle forms and freeze. They LOVE them. I could actually give them for breakfast, they're so healthy, but I keep up the mystique of them being a special after-dinner treat.
Our family doctor spoke to my kids when my husband was diagnosed about not having cake, donuts, etc. Now we talk about "strong and healthy" foods. They still have treats once in awhile (birthdays, etc.), but they're kept to a minimum and you know what, we've all survived! :)
|
|
|
|
I love how so many moms have said that their toddler wants to eat what they are eating. Makes me think about what example I want to set for my child... and what kind of example I am already setting.
You all also have some really great ideas and wonderful support. Thanks for adding to this thread.
|
|
|
|
Amileegirl,
We had thought my stepdaughter was lactose intolerant because she kept getting tummy aches but I wonder if it is something more to do with acid.
I am seriously worried about her developing an ED, her mother is very "appearance oriented" and wants her to join dance and I feel like that will only make things worse with the additude she has toward food already. One thing that makes me feel a little better is if its anything she likes (chicken nuggets, french fries, white noodles, cake) she'll eat and eat and eat. I try not to push her as I know thats not good for her either but I want to teach the whole family how to eat better. My husband is a junk food eater which is where the kids' attitudes come from.
|
|
|
|
My daughter will be 4 in September and has my sweet tooth. She loves any type of candy, sugar, or sweets! I have started talking to her about fruits and vegetables - and started talking about "junk food" and sugar. We talked about how you should only have a tiny little bit of candy each day. The funny thing was we went out to eat the other day, and she was sitting there with me - talking about what we had talked about - giving me a mini nutrition lesson. THe table next to ours was very impressed, I think she may have even taught them a thing or two. I was just happy she was actually listening to me :o)
|
|
|
|
the first thing you need to do is take her to your family physician. Children tend to be picky eaters-when allowed to be. Be an example to your child, eat the foods that you want her to eat and dont eat the foods you dont want her to eat. If she is making herself physically sick, that may be more of a sign of psychological problems with deeper stemming roots, not just I HATE CARROTS- As you know we dont eat healthy foods because we LOVE them we eat them because we HAVE to in order to maintain our health, at that age its all about flavor- make them yummy and delicous- allow her to help with the process, cooking and the love of food is a family experience.. good luck..the only foods my daughter wont touch are papayas, mangos, and avocados (ironically- those are the foods my husband is openly disgusted by)
xoxo
renn
|
|
|
|
SOLAREYNA
Has you stepdaughtr been tested for acid reflux?
|
|
|
|
JTFish:
Letting her help with the food prep is a wonderful way to get her involved in purposeful and healthy eating.
However, be careful not to make mealtime a battle of wills. If she whines ignore it (no time like the present to demonstrate that whining is not going to change the situation) and don't draw undue attention to the plate and don't repeat yourself. Eating is supposed to be pleasurable. If she doesn't want to eat it, she doesn't have to but she must know that nuggets are not an available option.
This is what's for dinner. Say no more.
Do offer, however, healthy finger foods that she may want to help herself to as suggested within easy reach at the table (think of it as a salad option -- everyone can still partake -- it is not a special meal). And have reachable options throughout the day where she has easy access where she doesn't have to ask in order to have a peice of apple. She may also enjoy helping to serve herself at the table of the foods available.
I don't think you should have to bend over backward to make the food cutesy. I think it draws too much attention to the fact that you "have to make it cute so it will be edible". Don't get me wrong. Nothing wrong with a little garnish (even adults enjoy looking at a star shaped pat of butter at a fancy dinner and ooh and ahh over the radish rosettes). But if you have to make a major project out of every meal, its still bribery. I think that is sending the wrong message and far too much effort which can easily steamroll out of control and you'll be back to square one.
Edited to Add:
It /could/ also be (in addition to the battle of wills) is that some foods might give her unpleasant gas or other ill effects. A friend of mine is obsessed with her 10 month old not wanting much to do with table food yet, but its understandable since the things she's tried has given him constipation.
|
|
|
|
| My six year old stepdaughter won't eat anything that is good for her, in fact she gets so upset she makes herself throw up or she sits there and cries. i hate forcing her to eat too but what we hve started doing (she is terribly skinny) is she has to eat half her food to watch her tv in her room that night and she has to eat everything on her plate to get dessert. It seems to help. If it is something none of the kids (we have three) want to eat, they each have to eat their age in bites. That way its fair for everyone. I really hope she'll grow out of it. before my son and I moved in with my husband and his kids, my son would eat anything. Now he turns his nose up at veggies too. (he's three now). It makes me sad because i love vegetables and I know how healthy they are. Thank goodness he still eats fruit.
|
|
|
|
My 12-yr old son hasn't eaten a vegetable in 10 years, I kid you not. I don't know how he is able to grow. He stopped eating fruits as well, a few years ago. I gave him vitamins for a brief time, but stopped because I'm still hoping that his body will eventually give him cravings for the right stuff. I've even told him lies like, there was just a news report on TV that said eating carrots will improve your video game performance. Still no luck at all!
He never ever gets sick, either. What a mystery!
|
|
|
|
TamieP--- My two year old was diagnosed with several food allergies about 6 months ago... We have tried so many different things to get her to eat enough calories. And what we have found is that if we are all eating it (my husband, myself and my older daughter) then she also wants it. This includes any veggies I put out. She also loves italian salad dressing and if I give her a little of this she will eat almost anything I give her. We do a lot of spinach salads with fruit cup up in it. She also loves most raw veggies. My girls also have to eat their veggies first before they can have the rest of their dinner. It really works! Veggie stir fries may be a good way to get him to eat a larger variety.
Have you tried having him help you to prepare the food? kids almost always want to eat what they have prepared!
|
|
|
|
| My 4 year old is doing that ... take a few bites and I'm full... then she wants a popsicle ... or better yet as soon as we get in the car she is hungry and wants to stop at McDonald's. I hate forcing her to clean her plate, but I am not sure how to break this habit. I of course don't give in. If she asks for something soon after dinner I offer more of dinner or an apple. The pattern hasn't changed. I am not sure what is reinforcing the behavior. I guess I just have to persevere in hopes that she will eventually get over it.
|
|
|
|
| My 18 month old does the eat like a pig and then don't eat thing now and I just got my 3 year old to start eatting better by watching her fluid intake and not letting her have snacks if she doesn't eat the Previous meal. She is really bad to take a couple bites of dinner and claim she is full then an hour later beg for a snack.
|
|
|
|
| oops, first time...I came to this to read about toddlers and got inspired by everyones success. I can't get started. Help!
|
|
|
|
| That's a great idea...thanks. Smoothies can be made healthy and kids assume it's a treat!
|
|
|
|
I like making smoothies, not only for myself but for my kids. I use differnt fruits, yogurt, flax seed, baby carrots, spinache. The kids will drink it and if they don't eat much then it is a good breakfast.
|
|
|
|
I never really understood the whole "juice" thing lately.
I remember getting like 3 oz of OJ at breakfast in a tiny little glass & that was it.
I wonder when it seemed like kids had to live on apple juice?
|
|
|
|
My youngest is 3 and he is a very healthy eater. He's never had fast food, because we don't eat it. It's much easier for me to cut up Tomatoes and avocado than it is to get in the car and buy junk food anyway.
I've noticed he eats a lot more when he's going through growth spurts. I always know when he's going to have a growth spurt, based on his eating.
He's going to start preschool soon and we're concerned about the snack other parents may bring, so I will give him a snack. He hates juices, which our pediatrician was pleased to hear. He doesn't like toddlers having juice. We always have a variety of fruits and veggies in the house. He doesn't like peaches, so I will offer him something else. One time he told me he did't like peas. I knew he did, but they were still in the pod, so I made a "pooping" game out of it. I know, I know. Gross and I'm teaching my kid to play with his food. The end result was he ate his peas and that was the goal. Mission accomplished. =) I've had a lot of mom's in our playgroup ask me how I got him to eat so healthy. I just did. It's all that was offered.
|
|
|
|
oh i just have to reply to this thread, even though so many helpful points have already been raised!
i'm a pediatrician, and i focus on healthy lifestyles a LOT with my little patients and their parents. it's wonderful to find so many people here at spark that are teaching their children healthy habits!
jtfish, i think your daughter will come around. remember that your job is to decide when and what to offer, and hers is to decide how much and what to eat of what you've offered. good luck & kudos for starting early to teach her good habits!
|
|
|
|
It is easy for me to suggest the things we do at our house since we've been doing them with our kids since day one and don't have to go back and "unteach" anything. Good nutrition and eating habits that are going to stick with them a lifetime are sooo important - there is no time like today to get things on track.
I think the main thing with this issue is: 1) to remember who is in charge and; 2) the fact that toddlers don't have access to junk foods except through their parents (or other adults that care for them). I think kids that are "picky eaters" are mostly those who are allowed to be picky eaters.
I have 2 toddlers and while they have their likes and dislikes, they don't have a choice of nuggets and fries vs. veggies and grilled chicken because we don't have the nuggets and fries at our house as a choice. I think the thing you have to start with is not having the junk in your house. If you don't want them to eat french fries, don't buy/make them; if you don't want them drinking sodas, don't keep them in the house,etc. Second, give your kids choices, but make them all the stuff you know they should be eating. For example, "You may have bananas, apples, or pears - which one do you want?".. toddlers want independence so you have to give them choices, but you can control the list they have to choose from (my pediatrician always says not to give toddlers open ended choices). Third, it is not natural for kids to starve themselves - they will eat if they get hungry enough. If they refuse to eat the healthy choices you present and demand french fries, the worst thing you can do is given in wiht the line of thinking that you just want them to eat something. Keep providing them the list of good things they can choose from and if they are hungry, they'll pick something. Fourth, Veggies First! That is our rule. At dinner time, I usually prepare a meal that includes a whole grain pasta or brown rice which my kids love. However, the first thing I put in front of them is a bowl of veggies. They don't love all veggies, but there are about 4 staple veggies they will eat regularly. When I give them their veggies, I tell them they need to finish those before they can have the Pasta (or rice, or whatever). It works on my kids most every time. Next, why even keep sugary snacks and deserts in the house? Make fruit the desert or yogurt the treat. Your kids will get plenty of exposure to cookies, cake, candy, etc. come holidays, when they go to b-day parties, at grandma's, etc, and there are plenty of other ways to give your kids "treats" other than with food. Last, you are an example for your kids, so they are going to want to eat what you eat. If you eat the fries and drink the sodas, that is what they will want.
I find that if we are really having a mealtime battle, it is usually because they are just not that hungry for whatever reason and I have to allow them to choose when they are hungry.
Just remember, you wouldn't let your kids go play in a busy street just because they wanted to and would throw a tanturm if you didn't let them. Eating healthy and proper nutrition for growing kids is just as important in their overall well being and I think you have be as serious about that as you are other things that are good/bad for their health.
I'm sorry if I sound harsh to anyone, good nutrition for kids is my big issue in life and I get so sad when I take my kids to their daycare and see kids walking in with their "breakfast" of powdered donuts and chocolate milk - they are going to have to battle those poor eating habits for the rest of their lives and we all know how tough that is or most of us would not be here at SP trying to change ourselves.
Now, if I could just parent myself a little better on things like portions!!
|
|
|
|
| lizlieb1, My best friend had the same problem, her son was also born at 24 weeks and weighed 16.1oz her son had a hard time getting enough to eat and not liking food. His mom kept him on baby food because he liked it more and was getting more calories that way. I do know that at 7 he is still small for his age but very healthy.
|
|
GRANT_ME_WINGS
8/1/06 2:11 P
|
|
|
|
I have a friend whose parents convinced him that veggies were special adult food, and that it was a privilage to have them... so he'd beg and beg to have some of the grownup food that it was so cool to eat.
Woo, reverse psychology.
My mom tells me that she fed me a lot of raw veggies when I was little, and that I loved them. I guess I'm weird though, because I've always had healthy eating habits...
Advice: don't let them start drinking soda... I know my mom forced me to drink ginger ale when I was sick (sore throat, hurt a lot!) and I HATE fizzy drinks. Not only does it keep them away from soda, but will probably help in college when they don't like beer either.
|
|
|
|
| My son is almost 2 and he is extremely picky, BUT he will eat whatever my husband and I are eating. So I guess he is the best way for us to eat healthier because we only want the best for him, and so therefore we eat healthier!
|
|
MOM2BEANDR
8/1/06 11:54 A
|
|
|
|
| I have a VERY stubborn VERY picky eating 4 year old and struggle to get different foods in her. She will eat a few things without a battle but often even things she likes are a struggle to get her to eat. It is very frustrating!
|
|
|
|
I love avocado, and so does my son -- well sometimes he does. kids like things one day and not the next. My friend works for Jenny Craig and she said avocados are very high in fat. For a 4 year old that's not a big deal, but it is for me. I could sit and eat a whole one myself!
I like the idea of pureeing veggies and putting them into the sauce. Do you cook the veggies first? (dumb question?)
|
|
RACYSTACEY07
7/31/06 4:37 P
|
|
|
|
| Lizlieb, you could try adding dry milk powder (or other dry supplementation powder) and bananas to her carnation instant breakfast. I would try to get creative with the things that she does enjoy eating and fortify them. Believe it or not, during the first two years of life, 50% of a child's calories should be from fat. This is because a lot of fat is needed for nerve development. After two years, though, only 30% of calories should be from fat. 2500 calories sounds like a lot for her age. Does she have underlying heart disease or illness that requires that many calories? Most two year olds only need 1200 kcal. Good luck!!!
|
|
|
|
TAMIEP - try avocado, peas in pods (that he could shell himself?), baby carrots, or cooked carrots cut into little round crinkle shapes?
I'm trying to think of some more for you, if you eat vegetarian versions of spaghetti or similar (no ground beef) you could cook and puree up something like carrot or zucchini to add to the sauce, or it could be added that way to soup stock too.
|
|
|
|
SPECTRE70,
Thank you, I'll look for some vegan cookbooks. The truth is I have trouble with veggies too. I guess it's too much to ask kids to do as we say and not as we do. So finding recipes that dress up the veggies will be very helpful.
I grew up in a meat and potatoes household like most people. Plus we have family from the south so we ate fried chicken and fried fish with French fries or mashed/gravy -- milk gravy! I remember my dad telling my mother to dip his toast in bacon grease instead of using butter. And every sandwich had butter on it. It's like bread could not be used if it didn't have butter or bacon grease on it. And broccoli was not introduced to me until I was a teenager. And of course I would not eat it then. I will now.
So, not only am I dealing with my own eating pattern, but trying to establish a good one for my son.
My older son, who is 24, would not eat veggies either, except potatoes and corn, I got him to eat veggies in stir fry and a veggie soups I'd make with a bunch of canned veggies. I need to buy a new wok. The problem with oriental stuff is I have to watch for peanut oil in the sauces for stir fry.
|
|
|
|
I am currently working on this with my 4 yr old son. I have a slim husband who eats junk food a lot. It took a couple of weeks before he came on board with changing our sons eating habbits. We have introduced rules into our home that have dramatically reduced our sons bad eating. (at 4 yrs they start understanding rules). My husband eats his own treats away from us-can't control him).
Our rules include * no sugary treats except on weekends. (during the week he gets yogurt sweetened with fruit juice as dessert)
* he gets fruit juice or milk with meals ONLY!!! The rest of the time it is water. He used to consume SOOOO many sugars and calories from juice alone. He was resistant at first but now asks for it.
As for the choice of meals, DO NOT serve chicken nuggets french fries etc....I've used childrens cook books when I need inspiration.
I think the key to it is being persistant. Every step in my sons developement always seems like a mountain. For example, sleeping thru the night in his room, or giving up his soother, or potty training, etc etc... He always surprises me by being quickly adaptable.
|
|
|
|
| TamieP - have you looked for any vegan cookbooks? They will not include dairy or eggs. I remember finding a good vegetarian family cookbook at the library, lots of kid-friendly recipes, and they include vegan subs for dairy/eggs if they're included. My kids love veggies in any way, shape, or form...will he eat soup? I'll try to think of some other ideas and come back later to post...my own son is calling for me, LOL.
|
|
|
|
| ROEJAC, I was a premie too and it took a long time for me to start eating normally and gain weight. Now, unfortunately I have gained and am trying to lose. My point is don't worry too much, your son will eventually gain weight and his eating isn't too bad. It sounds like he likes to eat things he can eat with his hands have you tried grapes, baby carrots? I would say try to make sure the cereal and juice are fortified. But activity is a sign of good health, as long as the doctors aren't worried you shouldn't worry too much either.
|
|
|
|
My son is going to be 4 and he has a lot of food allergies: Dairy, nuts, eggs, wheat, and soy milk, not soy itself, but the milk for some reason.
Of course he wants chicken nuggets all of the time (damn McDonald's), they have wheat and since wheat does not cause anything like have of pose any throat swelling threat I let him have them every so often, we just know he'll have diarrhea later on. I also wonder if it causes him to act up. Same with sugar.
He love broccoli, and some days will eat 3 or 4 adult servings (I cook it in a little bit of chicken broth instead of using butter -- really yummy), but then he does not want any for a long time. He really has no interest in other veggies. I think he likes the broccoli because we call them little trees.
We pretty much live on chicken and ground Turkey, he did test positive to being slightly allergic to beef, but over time I've become grossed out by eating cow anyway, so don't eat it much. Plus the stores seem to include a lot of gristle in ground beef these days, no matter what the grade.
I need some fun and easy ways to incorporate veggies in my son's limited diet. Remember no dairy means no milk or its products like cheese or yogurt.
|
|
WINTERSJANIS
7/31/06 12:07 P
|
|
|
|
| This is odd, but my picky little 4 year old likes gazpacho. I took the spice out cause she thinks anything hot will surely kill her. So I just puree cucumber, tomato and mild green pepper. She really doesn't have to eat much of it for a serving. Also, she's a soup fanatic, I can sneakilly stir in some carrot/celery or other kinds of puree into her soup and it just thickens it up a little. I have taught her about nutrition and given her huge guilt trips about only choosing unhealthy foods. It is a serious matter. I'll give her some chips but I don't hide the fact that they're full of salt, wont make her full, full of grease that's bad for her heart, the list goes on and on (and so do I), until she generally can't take it anymore and eats a carrot or something, at which point I relent and praise her for balancing her diet.
|
|
|
|
I am new to this site and I was looking at the topics on the message boards when this one caught my eye. I have a son who will be 4 in September. He is an extremely picky eater. The only things I can get him to eat are: any kind of cracker, french fries, chips, teddy graham cookies, dry cereal, and sometimes the dried fruit from Gerbers. He drinks 2% milk, water, and sometimes a small smoothie or some juice. Because of his lack of good food to eat, I make sure he gets a multivitamin everyday. I have asked his doctor what I should do about his poor eating and she told me that as long as he is healthy, active, and in proportion to his size, he is doing okay. My son was born at 28 1/2 weeks and weighed 2 lbs. 3.9 ounces; now he weighs around 32 lbs. He is a very active little boy, so it is hard to get him to gain weight; he usually burns it off.
I know his doctors have told me not to worry, but I can't help it. His diet is such a poor diet. I try and offer him healthy foods, but he either plays with the food or he turns away and acts like some of the stuff is the most foul stuff on the face of this earth. When my son was a baby, he would eat baby food veggies and fruit but he ended up getting rotovirus at some point and since then, it is a struggle to get him to eat anything healthy. I'll admit that I have tried to force him to eat something, but I know that doesn't work so I don't try anymore. I won't withhold food from him because he doesn't eat a lot to begin with and he can't afford to lose weight.
Does anyone have any suggestions for me. I want my son to live a long healthy life so any help would be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
if you like home cooking you can make her chicken nugets and put vegetables in them, vegetable pizzas, chesseless ones, frozen yougurt insted of icecream, crackers instead of biscuts, sugar-less squash insted of soda x
|
|
|
|
HI JTFISH if u r still trying to develop ur babys habbit
u can do like take some veggies like some slices of carrot some small pieces of caulifor some slices of patato and any other veggie u want then make a paste of all purpose flour adding some salt chilli and canamin to it roll the veggies in the pasre and play with ur baby that lets guess whats inside it
i hope she will be more interested in guessing right this way i hope she will statrt eating veggies
If u want u can add some pieces of chicken (cubed) that will add more fun.
Good Luck
|
|
|
|
I have a 5 year old daughter who is 4ft 2in and weighs 85lbs i'm scared the doctor says she needs to lose weight. She has always been thick. She was 5lbs 6 oz at birth at 3 week check up she was already 10lbs 2oz. She is so active plays soccer basketball and loves water. I don't think she over eats but i'm still scared. She does't look like a 5 yr old but a 10 or 12 yr old. She is already in size10 clothes and i just hem he pants up!
|
|
CHRISTYSMITH
7/30/06 7:52 P
|
|
|
|
Lizlieb1, 2500calories is an aweful lot. A grown man who is active and almost 200 lbs barely needs 2500 calories a day.. I'm not sure it is possible to get that much into a little one who is average size let alone one who is working on "catching up" so to speak - good luck.
I have a 6 and 10 year old and while they both love the nuggets, fries, etc.. I am surprised at what they ask for frequently. My ds loves homemade lentil soup as well as black bean soup and quesadillas. Both love salad (w/ cesear drsg). They eat almost any friut. My dd loves to eat Tomatoes and does not understand how anyone can not like them.
We have a rule that whatever is new they have to try 2 bites and no dessert if they don't eat what is served for everyone. If they try the new item and don't like it, they don't get dessert/sweets but are allowed to have whatever fruit they want - it works prettty well. Unless it is spicy, I have never cooked them different meals (who has time).
Keep offering the good stuff - they will come around. Mine actually look at label w/ me now.
|
|
|
|
LIZLIEB1- I cannot believe how tiny your daughter was when she was born. That is amazing. She truly is your little miracle. I have a little girl myself who will be three in September. She was a huge baby at birth, weighing in at 9 pounds 15 3/4 ounces. Anyways, my suggestion is that if your daughter likes carnation instant breakfasts try adding things to them like fruits. Or maybe get a juicer and juice fruits and vegetables. My fiance goes through spurts where he gets in a juicing mood. He will make the craziest mixes with beets, radishes, carrots, pinapples, etc. and they all taste wonderful. Another option is smooties and soups, however I would still try to get her eat as much solid food that she will tolerate. It is important that she try different foods with differents textures and consistancies. I don't know if this will help at all, but this is my suggestion to you. My daughter goes through periods where she eats like a pig and periods where we can't hardly get her to eat anything. When she's not really eating, we just try to get her to eat whatever she will.
-Krystal
|
|
LOSINGTOLIVE
7/30/06 1:04 P
|
|
|
|
| As a toddler my son would gag on veggies. The texture bothered him. I would insist he eat two spoonfuls of whatever veggies we were having. As he got older he got better at eating his veggies. Of course now he's nineteen and its like he's two again. (ha, ha). With my grandson we have found its easier to get him to eat healthy if we are. Since he will eat anything on my plate or his mom's before he eats whats on his own. Of course this works well for me too. It can be annoying at times to have him eating off my plate (he's 3) so we have started making his plate off the food on my plate. He's happy with this because he still thinks he's eating my meal. whatever works.
|
|
|
|
Try pediasure? Also lots of 'carby' things if she'll eat them. Make it fun, will she pick out things in the store (among mom approved things that is?).
She could still have full fat everything, from milk and cheese to whatever else anything she uses as dip would help as well.
|
|
BRANDONSGIRL3
7/30/06 4:23 A
|
|
|
|
| i dont let her choose the food so much as when i serve meals she will take a bite of everything which is my rule but then not eat anything else than a lick off a spoon except the item she wants shell ask for more. and i tried to see or "test" what would happen (By doctors request) if i didnt serve her favs would she eat and three days went by i didnt say you have to try anything and she didnt eat. she has spurts where she loses weight fast like 4 lbs in a few days so he prescribed formula and to let her eat what she wants because the nutrotion comes form the formula. so i guess her body just craves things, at least there food i guess!
|
|
|
|
Thanks for your two cents worth Jenparlier!
The Dr's keep saying she's fine.... Just get worried when other people start chimming in, allways makes you wonder! I feel she looks just fine.... So does my son, think his weight looks perfect for his height. Just really more concerned that there following moms pattern of grazing...
Sherise
|
|
|
|
I'm having a problem with my 2 year old about eating too. She was born at 24 weeks at 15.2 oz and has always had trouble gaining weight. Last year she was hospitalized because she wasn't gaining enough weight. While in the hospital all they did was stuff her until she got sick. We found out in November that she is allergic to eggs and soy, so it's very hard to find things for her.
At her 2 year check up she had lost 3 pounds but grew 2 inches. Her dad and I took her to a dietitian and we were told she needs to eat at least 2500 calories a day. We've been trying to stuff her and give her anything she wants but she's not budging. She would rather drink carnation instant breakfast then eat anything. If anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. We are just worried and if she doesn't start gaining she's going to have to be re-hospitalized. :(
|
|
JENPARLIER
7/29/06 9:22 P
|
|
|
|
Hi Twinmom7,
I just read your post on your daughter's weight. My daughter too will be about 5'3" when she is an adult based on her height now and her father's and my height. She turned 5 on June 20th of this year and her at her 5 year checkup she weighed 35.1 pounds fully clothed. She is in the 10th percentile in height and weight and the doctor says she is very healthy. Don't worry about what others think about your child. Go by what your heart says, if she is healthy, active and eats well then she is doing good. Is your doctor worried about her weight? If he isn't worried then I wouldn't be either. Oh well, just my two cents.
|
|
|
|
Hi Mony -
I'm picky about that, and I try not to let other people give a bunch of junk to my little one. It's not like I don't allow her to have it at all, she usually asks for a cookie or something, and she can have one. It's just that other people seem inclined to give Goodies to little kids and she doesn't need FIVE cookies. LOL! She'd never ask for five either, she is quite happy with one.
Have you talked to your in-laws about how you feel? Toddlers have tiny tummies, they need to fill them with good food.
|
|
|
|
| I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old. When I took the 3 year old for her checkup, I told the doctor that I was giving her a lot of fat free stuff such as pudding, crystal light instead of juice, skim milk instead of 2% milk, that kind of stuff. The doctor told me that I should do that. I should give her reduced fat because her body need the fat. The 2 year old is just every picky. She would rather drink the crystal light or milk instead of eat. I will say that she does eat apples and peas, and sometimes beets. So I guess it could be worst. It is just taking a long time to get the 2 year old to eat. But it seems she is slower than the 3 year old but the 3 year old is more like a 10 year old.
|
|
|
|
| This is a very interesting post for me. I have a 15 month old. He has a very interesting but I would assume normal eating patter. He will pig out for a day or two and then decide he does not want anything for a day. I was worried about it for a while until his doc told me if he was not getting what he should he would have no energy and be very grumpy. He is neither of those things. The funny thing is he is not a sweets eater. He refuses ice cream, cake and most candy, instead he wants fruit. But the best thing I found is if he sees me eating something he wants to try it. He does not always like what he tries but he has a wide range of tastes from eating from my plate.
|
|
|
|
Hi! Just wanted to thank everyone for such great advice. I'm sure Kimberly will come around eventually. Since her fater and I eat so healthy, she won't have much of a choice! I imagine it's tough at that age, learning to like new tastes and textures.
One interesting fact I've discovered is that if I send her to school with a lunch consisting of foods that she usually won't eat with me, she will eat them there. There is hope!
Good luck all!
|
|
|
|
Hello everyone!
Just seen this thread and wanted to jump in with a concern??
I have twins that will be 4 in Sept. I am so worried about there eating habits, yet there in very good weight. I'm just afraid there habits will catch up to them soon! I know I'm the problem as I'm the mom and should take better control, it's just hard sometimes.... There both pretty picky eaters, although I have to say my daughter loves her fruit and most veggies. My son wants the same thing every day. Chicken nuggets, toast, cereal, crackers.... My daughter will eat the same but she will also eat some veggies and fruit. They both are crackerholics! I have a lock on the door that has all the crackers, etc... in it, but they figured out how to get it open and help themselves now. I try to introduce new things to them and they just get very upset over it. They both have become "grazers" never eating much at one meal but nibble all day. They both drink ALOT of fluids, mostly koolaide, fruit juice, and water. I'm afraid there too, they are watching mom, my bad habit is grazing which I'm working on myself....
I had a girl tell me she thought my daughter was to skinny?? She's small and will be lucky if she's 5'3 when full grown, she weighs 34 pounds. This girls 1 year old weighs 30 pounds?? I think my daughter looks just fine and the DR. has never said she's too skinny....
Anyone have any suggestions on stopping grazing, and introducing new foods??????
Sherise
|
|
POIFECT_NOT
7/29/06 11:34 A
|
|
|
|
|
NAENAE1275
7/29/06 10:43 A
|
|
|
|
| I ran a childcare center for eight years, was a nanny for three years, and worked as a toddler teacher for 2 two years, and have raised 5 children. I have had a alot of experience with this. It is a habbit that you should now rather then later they will only become more stubborn. I good way to statr change up the favorites to healthier versions, a good way to sneak in the veggies ad a carrot puree or baby carrots to pizza sauce, or spaghetti sauce. Add fresh fruit to jello make jello cups, they are colorful, bright eye catching colors, use sugar free jello for something sweet yet nutritious. small changes like others have suggested baked chicken or turkey nuggets are not that bad but add some better choices for the sides , switch white bread to whole wheat, same with pizza crust. the key to do this slow and steady but a firm a stance once you start you can't back down and you are actually giving a gift that will last a lifetime to your childre. A toddler won't strave themselves, but they can hold long enough to make you feel bad but don't give in. Just slowly switch foods, and add better choices as side for the child and yes eat the same things with them it set the bar or example. Good luck
|
|
|
|
| I have a 27 month old and an 8 month old and since the day they started solids I have given them bland versions of what my husband and I have eaten. My 27 month old daughter now eats everything - she still has some picky days but we don't make a fuss on those days as she knows what her body needs for fuel. My daughter knows that if she doesn't eat her dinner she will get nothing else and it is her choice if she goes to bed hungry (mind you this is very rare). We also eat every meal with our kids and they see that they are eating the same as we are so there is no complaining about the meal. We also don't keep much junk food in the house, so there is really no alternative for them, except to eat what we eat as well as fresh and dried fruit and cheese sticks. My daughter has a sweet tooth and we give her biscuits or dessert but only when she eats a decent amount of healthy food. This way the sweet food is viewed as a treat and not an everyday meal replacement item. I guess as we started this with them very young, they don't know any different and are happy to eat what we eat.
|
|
|
|
My mother always told me that as long as a toddler is eating and it isn't crappy things like fast food etc not to worry they are listening to their bodies.
Besides she sounds like she is eating good food and as long as she is growing well don't worry. My 20 month old is constantly wanting yogurt and eats it 2-3 times a day. I am glad she is finally wanting to eat she used to not want too!
|
|
BRANDONSGIRL3
7/28/06 7:49 P
|
|
|
|
| my daugher goes in spurts. shell eat cottage cheese only one day, apples the next and meat etc. should i worry? she is only 21 months and still takes formula.
|
|
|
|
| My 4 year old eats the Vegitarian Chicken Nuggets and likes them WAY better then the real chicken nuggets.
|
|
POIFECT_NOT
7/28/06 3:41 P
|
|
|
|
You could try starting out by making your own nuggets from healthyir ingrediants my neice in law does this
Total Corn flakes mashed fine egg and a little flour
Chicken breast
roll the breast in egg
roll in the cornflake flour mixture
and bake in a hot oven 400 to 425 degrees for about 20 minutes if you cut the chicken in 1 inby 1 inch peices
her kids love them and they are fairly healthy
then slowly change it to chicken strips without
any breading
veggies put cheese on anything and most kids will eat it
then slowly cut way back on the cheese they will adjust their tastes
|
|
|
|
I also made him the Brainless Banana Pancakes from sp. He likes then a lot, first time to actually eat and pancake and not toss it. Michelle
|
|
|
|
My son is 23 mths, he will eat almost any vegetable and some fruit. He is not a fan of bread unless it has almond butter and bananas. He loves fish, and shrimp. I do give him cooked spinach but most of the time I put chopped spinach and Tomatoes in our scrambled eggs. He is sensitive to cows milk, so we give him goatmilk, goat yogart and since we are on a budget he doesn't get goat cheese very often.
Yesteday I took him to Mcdonalds for the 1st time.(mother group meet there) and I was so proud that he refused to eat anything. He played and in the car he wanted his flaxseed pumpkin granola bar. I stopped drinking any soda, just water, tea and juice. My husband still eats his frosted flakes and hawaiian punch. So my son does try to sneak bites with daddy. I figure if he eats right 85% of the time I am doing fine. There are days he barely eats and the next day that's all he does do. Michelle
|
|
PLANETCLAIRE
7/28/06 2:54 P
|
|
|
|
| I have an 18 month old and since he started on solids, i have always fed him better than myself. I just recently started with spark and now my family, as a whole, have made major changes in what we eat and how often. Sure they have their chicken mc nuggets, like once a week but most the time, dinner is made from kitchen and eaten together like a family.
|
|
RUNNINGIRL
7/28/06 2:36 P
|
|
|
|
I also have used a menu system called miavita, and I plan our meals according to health plans that my husband and I choose. I know the recipes now by heart, so I don't use the website so much, but I have a sure way of knowing that the meals I present to my family are nutritious, delicious and serving their bodily needs.
|
|
RUNNINGIRL
7/28/06 2:34 P
|
|
|
|
I try to balance meals in our house, so that there is a fair amount of each person's favorites, but also create a healthy menu. I allow fruit snacks, some cookies, and M&Ms, but I don't buy chips or soda.
I have found that my son will eat anything if the presentation si right. I would never serve him cooked spinach, because that lump of slimy green stuff doesn't look nice. But a couple of fresh baby spinach leaves in his sandwich at lunch time is fine with him.
I also talk to him a lot about keeping our bodies healthy, so that we can be happier and stronger and faster. That works for 3 year old boys.
Girls, I don't know, my daughter is only one, and she will eat anything I give her.
|
|
OLIVIASMOMMY7
7/28/06 1:07 P
|
|
|
|
I have a 4 year old daughter and luckily she is pretty adventurous with what she eats. She especially likes veggies that have a process to them - she loves corn on the cob, but won't eat corn kernels, she LOVES artichokes. She loves eating watermelon off the rind, as long as it is seedless. We have a garden in the back and she loves going out there and picking cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and apricots, and will eat them right away. Of course, she is a fan of chicken nuggets and fries, but I try to keep that from being a regular part of her diet (even though when she's home alone with dad that tends to be her lunch or dinner).
My niece, however, is very picky when it comes to food. She will only eat chicken if it is in the form of a nugget, potatoes in the form of fries, pasta has to be plain, and mac & cheese is another favorite. She will eat some fruit but almost no veggies (my sister has to hide them). She mixes peas & carrots in with the mac & cheese and sometimes she'll eat it. Morningstar Farms has a great product called "Veggie Bites", and my niece LOVED them - they have 2 kinds - broccoli cheddar & spinach artichoke. Not necessarily the BEST way to get her to eat veggies, but it's a start.
|
|
HEALTHYLISA
7/28/06 12:50 P
|
|
|
|
| I grow a small garden and the kids (almost 3 and 5 yrs) help plant and care for it and now they like to eat the vegetables we grow. We also have some blackberries and recently planeted a nectarine and some blueberries. My son who is almost 3 loves raw veggies, even the onion. He loves raw sweet peas, cumcumbers, lettuce, tomato, carrots, cauliflower and sometimes the squash/zucchini. My daughter is a bit pickier but likes cauliflower, carrots and now she has announced her love for broccoli. I can get both of them to eat veggies raw but they eat more if I serve with hummus dip (also healthy).
|
|
FULLGROWNWOMAN
7/28/06 12:45 P
|
|
|
|
I have a 5 year old boy and know how rough it can be to get them to eat properly. His father and I divorced when he was 2 1/2 and his dad would feed him fast food and kid friendly stuff all of the time where I would try to feed him mostly healthfully.
We still have battles, but I have found what works best for me is to offer him what we are having for dinner, and if after trying that he doesn't like it much, then he can have some fruit or a healthy alternative.
I have read many resources on the subject and it is important not to get into battles over food. Constant pressure to eat when they don't want to can lead to food hoarding or binging behaviors later. (I know this is true from personal experience.)
Your child won't starve, they will eventually eat when they get hungry enough, so just be certain you have something healthy to offer them when they do.
|
|
|
|
I found a sesame street book at the bookstore once that explained there are 'sometimes foods' and 'all the time foods'. We use those terms with our two boys aged 5 and almost 4.
We don't completely deny sweets or fattening foods, but save them for weekends or after dinner desserts or something.
Their favorites? Cinnamon apples - sliced apples sprinkled with cinnamon. Bagels with cream cheese, canned fruit or applesauce, bananas.
Few kids don't like canned mandarin oranges - awesome finger foods! Same with raisins. My son fell in love with them just because they came in tiny little boxes, and now he eats them anytime.
Baby carrots are fantastic - with low fat ranch dressing or Peanut Butter for dipping.
Pretzel rods are good, also with Peanut Butter or mini marshmallows.
As for veggies, etc, we have a rule in our house. EVERYONE tries everything. I've actually had times where I've forced a taste of food (knowing they would LOVE it, but were too stubborn to try), literally holding their mouth and placing a smear on their tongue. Then they smack their lips - next thing I knew they were going for another forkful!
I know many people puree veggies and hide them in meatloaf, etc, but I've never had to do that.
Be persistant. It will happen eventually. Now my kids eat all kinds of veggies - corn, carrots, peas, mixed frozen veggies, even broccoli! (my 4 yr old LOVES broccoli!!!) But remember YOU are the parent!!
|
|
OREGONGIRL
7/28/06 11:49 A
|
|
|
|
| Let your toddler go shopping and let her see all of the fruits and veggies that are availble out there, she just might get curoius to try something new. Also let her help prepare meals and snacks...she more than likly won't turn her noise up to something that she has created.
|
|
SOON_2B_SKINNY
7/28/06 9:45 A
|
|
|
|
At three, kids are testing boundaries. And there have obviously been changes in her life--she may be trying to keep things 'normal'. I would bring her to the table where you and your husband are eating, give her a plate and silverware and pass serving dishes. Let her serve herself (a little control over your own life is never a bad thing) and let her say no thank-you. If she chooses to sit through dinner with no food on her plate, let her do so. Praise the food and offer to let her taste yours--no pressure. When dinner is over, all three of you get up from the table--even if she didn't eat anything.
Half an hour to fourty-five minutes later (no sooner) suggest a specific healthy snack. (i.e. "I'm hungry. Lets go have a snack. How about sliced apples and raisins?") If she counters with the "but I want..." whine, tell her she has to choose a healthy snack, but she may choose her snack.
And remember, very young children (under 5) shouldn't be eating a low-fat diet. She _needs_ the fat to grow. Within reason, of course.
|
|
|
|
I am ashamed to say that my sons diet only made truely great progress when he started daycare and I had to bring a lunch (center based care during summer quarter at school). They request a fruit, a veggie and some kind of main course. I found out that there are some veggies he will eat and eating them myself (he's always been an I want what you are eating child). He loves fruit I've never had problems getting him to eat those. He likes chicken and beef. But I have to say he is a carb baby, he loves bread, chips, pretzels etc.. the idea is that even if we have them in the house we put them in places he can't see them. I was pretty adament about him not having cookies and candy when he was young. In fact I think the first sweets thing he had was his birthday cake at his 1st birthday and even then he wasn't very interested. He doesn't get pop (although he had some before I started spark, sharing with me homemade root beer). My mother and MIL know that I'm not big on giving him candies and the like and most people that want to offer him some always ask me first.
As far as getting them to eat veggies, exposure, watching you eat them and preparing them different ways. My son doesn't like cooked carrots but will eat raw baby carrots.
Jenifer
|
|
TICTOCDACLOCK
7/28/06 8:54 A
|
|
|
|
| Hi, I have a 9 year old and a 2 year old so i am familiar with this! My 9 year old had a an unbalanced meal of chicken nuggets and fries and stuff too when he was little. I took him to get his checkup and the doctor told me that I had to change it immediately. He wasn't getting the nutrients he needed to grow healthy. they will not starve as everyone has told you...when they truly get hungry enough they will eat what is in front of them but give her a variety of healthy things to chose from. Like my daughter who is the 2 year old will not eat any greens other than string beans... I tried others but as long as she eats that one I keep in the house! Fruits should be a winner- pay the extra money to buy them pre-cut and washed.... my daughter can demolish a huge container of canteloupes and pineapples... but she doesn't care for apples- so I tried pears... she loves them! Right now you are in trial mode... you gotta keep giving her stuff and find what she likes that is healthy...she may not be ready for the foods that you and your husband eat but good alternatives work... and one thing i do is I give my daughter a half a frozen popsicle after dinner... I tell her "try this and that" and I reward her afterwards with a popsicle.. it works!
|
|
|
|
| I have found that if I keep fruits and veggies in the fridge, already cut up and ready to go, they will want that especially grapes, carrots, strawberries, and watermelon. My four year old daughter is much more picky than my two year old son.
|
|
JESSIEMOMMYOF2
7/28/06 7:48 A
|
|
|
|
| i Also have a 5yr and a 2.5yr old and i understand what u Talking about! my younger one loves anything and eats fruit and veggies like crazy but my oldest is very picky! all he eats is greenbeans and lettuce and cukes so i make sure he has that EVERYDAY! as long as he is getting veggies i do not mind if it is the same thing everyday.but we also try new things too! i think it is very important to teach young children how to eat the right way and the right things! the boys HELP me make alot and they feel special to be able to eat what they made! i also use lil cookie cutters frome pampered chef and make things into fun shapes that is a hit!! well good luck
|
|
|
|
Don't think it's necessarily your fault for not introducing healthy foods earlier! Ever since we transitioned my son (almost 4) to table food from baby food, we've offered him a well-balanced variety -- whatever we're eating. But today he much prefers pizza, chicken nuggets, and the like. He'll eat meat usually (chicken cooked a variety of ways, and beef, pork, lamb, and usually fish). But veggies are another thing altogether! And he liked them as baby food. (I've been tempted to puree them again, but I don't really think it'd work.) So we keep offering, and he has to try them. And I'll often put a fruit on the plate (applesauce, a bunch of grapes). Some of my sneaky vegetables are pumpkin bread and spinach ravioli (and the tomato sauce on the spinach ravioli). Most nights he gets served a "normal" balanced meal, and I include pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, and other no-fight meals in the rotation so that dinnertime isn't always an ordeal.
Meanwhile, my 21-month-old doesn't eat meat, except the occasional chicken nugget. Go figure. He used to eat whatever we'd put in front of him (including tiny bits of steak before he had molars), now he's very suspicious of anything new. He likes breads, beans, rice, squash, cheese, yogurt, and some fruit...I did give him a baby food jar with meat in it and he gobbled it up, looking smug. So I don't know what's up with that. (Doctor expressed concern over protein and zinc intake.) He's still nursing, but starting to lose interest...maybe when we're done he'll eat more variety of food.
Meanwhile, both kids are healthy, not over- or underweight, making all their development milestones.... So I just hold onto the hopes that long-term they'll come around, and keep reading boards like this for creative ideas....
Sharon
|
|
|
|
At home, we have a rather healty diet, which ds (9y)always liked very much. And indeed, especially my in laws do not have the same standard, but I never bothered about that, noticing that ds seemed to know 'intuitively' what was good for him. When he was with my sil when he was only 4, she offered him a glass of coke. He took a sip, looked disgusted, and asked if this was some kind of poison?
And my mil often gives him a roll of cookies, or a bag of patato chips to take home after a visit. He his very happy with these treats, takes out one, maybe two cookies, a handfull of chips and eats them... and ten days later I have to throw away what is still left.
Asked about his favourite food, he will happily tell you 'vegetables', and he can't understand why his best friend does not like fruits.
|
|
|
|
Hi Mony,
oh, friends of mine went through the same - they are very conscious about not feeding their little son sugar, and on his birthday party they expressively asked their guests to respect that, and of course after twenty minute some well-meaning aunt is shoving heavy cake at the boy. (Which he didn't even ask for, just on the basis that being nice to a kid equals feeding him sweets.)
My friends hat no problem telling her off in no uncertain way, but of course that's easier with an aunt than with in-laws.
Can you talk to your in-laws about it? I'm sure that they (like to) think they're doing your daughter a favor, but with obesity rates among children and teenagers being what they are, maybe you can convince them otherwise? What is your husbands stand on this?
Again, I'm always glad to hear of parents making an effort to teach their kids healthy eating, it's the best one can do for a childs long-term health. The great thing is that this effort really pays off and you get children who really like eating whole wheat cereals, fruit and vegetables.
Good luck and I hope that you can talk to your in-laws!
~Julia
|
|
|
|
Hi All,
My peanut is just 1 - so she doesn't refuse stuff, YET.
My problem is my in-laws love to feed their grandaughter junk that I don't give her.
My mother-in-law gives her ice cream every day!
Here I am buying expensive organic fruits & veggies - to find out they've been slipping her french fries!
Yikes!
|
|
|
|
Just continue making healthy meals for you and hubby, and serve her small portions to 'try' of new things. Maybe arrange things in a kid-friendly way, cut sandwiches into shapes etc. I have never cooked or fixed a separate meal for my toddler, unless something I make is very spicy.
Your daughter will adjust, just make the food accessible, so she can graze and snack on it. Don't buy junk - if it's not in the house, she can whine but you can tell her there is none. If you're worried about her nutrition you can get her Pediasure to fill in the gaps when she doesn't eat much. It'll take a little while, just be consistent and don't give up!
Also - one trick that has always worked for me - let her see you eating good stuff.. fruit, veggies, etc. If I snack on good stuff, that's what my daughter wants instead of candy and donuts.
|
|
|
|
Hi Achapma,
my admiration to you - and anybody else working at teaching good food habits to their kids - for not giving in to tantrums!
For one thing, there's hardly a better way to give one's child a good chance of a healthy life. And I'm aware of what a total pain in the neck a little child lamenting the cosmic injustice of not getting it's new game/tv time/junk food can be.
I'm really grateful to every parent who takes the trouble of teaching his/her kid that whining and complaining doesn't get you what you want. I'm not as heartless as that sounds, really! It's just that once children learned that normality means that everything goes according to their wishes, they are bound to be miserable as soon as that doesn't apply any more.
Now, the question of how to get toddler to eat healthy?
I agree with Jody (BTW, I love that quote!) that it's a good thing not to have junk food in the house to begin with.
Apart from that, kids usually like finger food, like raw tomato sticks or red and yellow peppers cut into stripes - those are sweet and colorful, too, which could help. Maybe serve them as tv snack with a really tasty dip - not too much of it, so your kid doesn't end up eating more dip than veggies?
Offering a variety and trying to make food look interesting could help, too. If you're ready to accept a lot of fat to get those veggies eaten, you could dip them in batter and fry them - looks familiar, and it could convince a toddler that even veggies can taste. (Just don't say that out loud in a happy "now you see?" voice!)
I remember that my mother made little mice out of radishes and landscapes out of mashed potatos, parsley (=trees) and gravy (lake). Worked for us.
Whole wheat cookies to replace chocolate chip cookies? Again, that could work because at least it looks familiar.
Maybe a small serving of a favorite dessert for eating the healthy stuff - I'm usually hesitant about using food as a reward, but everything's better than a constant diet of pizza.
Usually I'm a great believer of keeping with a decision, but I realize that that doesn't always apply. I hope there's no strike breaker feeding the poor little one with junk food? Well-meaning grand parents can do that, with horrible results.
In general: try not to let the meal time stress invade into the rest of your life, and keep in mind that your child won't unlearn a life long habit in a few days. It's understandable that your toddler is appalled at having to eat nasty stuff when it never had to before, so I guess a bit of lee-way and pampering out-side of meal times could be a nice way to make up for her this tragic unjustice! 
Again: I admire so much that you're ready to face and solve this problem to spare your daughter all the problems and pains of having to unlearn unhealthy habits years later when they already impaired her health. You're doing her such a favor!
(sorry for the terribly long post)
|
|
|
|
It took a LONG time for my son to get to the point where he would eat the other stuff, there were many a mornings that he had a huge breakfast because he hardly ate any dinner. My son would eat almost nothing except for chicken nuggets, french fries, cheeseburgers no cheese (no he wouldn't eat a hamburger it had to be a cheeseburger with no cheese, lol), pizza and Peanut Butter sandwhiches and a few select cereals. I would say it took over a year closer to 2 before it got a *lot* better, there were little breakthroughs along the way, he started really liking baked or bbq'd chicken and he came to love green beans and corn for example, but it was still almost a daily struggle for that long and even then we still had problems come up now and then, like stir fry and seafood took *forever* but are now one of his favories. Now (he's 7) he still isn't happy when I fix certain things, but he knows that he has to take at least one bite (that doesn't mean one pea either, lol) before he gets more of that mac & cheese or whatever that he loves so much and we rarely have a problem now.
Oh yeah and FitWendy's idea is really good too, my son helps me with every meal and snack now, he really enjoys it and is a lot more happy about eating the nonpreferred foods if he got to help make them.
|
|
|
|
| Can you involve him in shopping and food prep? My daughter is quicker to eat an apple she picked at the store or food she 'helped' make....
|
|
|
|
I agree with Tiff, they won't starve.
My concern is that my toddler will NOT eat anything else. If I give him a casserole that has veggies in it, he just won't eat the veggies. I know he's gone to bed hungry, as he wakes up the next day absolutely starving, but I haven't given in to his tantrums about getting more bread/cheese stuff on his plate when he wouldn't eat 3 bites of peas.
|
|
|
|
I agree she will not starve although sometimes you may wonder how she doesn't. With my son I offered a small amount of one preferred food and then a variety of other foods. He could not have any more of the preferred food until he at least tried the other foods. There for a while I really did wonder if the doctor was right and he wouldn't starve himself, but he eventually came around.
Oh yeah and the toddler formula or pediasure is a good idea too. Though it is a little pricey.
|
|
|
|
Kids tend to be very slow to warm up to new foods. Encourage her to play with the food. kids are more likely to try foods that they have had a chance to pick up, squish, smell, sniff, etc. I read somewhere it can take up to 10 exposures to a food before a child will like it.
You might want to check out Ellyn Satter's book "How to get your child to eat but not too much" or "Child of Mine". They both have good advice.
|
|
LITTLEDEM
7/20/06 10:25 P
|
|
|
|
Honestly, just don't buy the garbage foods. Offer a variety of good for her, and good tasteing, foods. She will not starve, she will adjust. Just give her plenty of selection and let her graze until she figures out what she likes and what she doesn't.
If you are really that worried about her nutrition during the adjustment offer her toddler forumla (I assume you don't breastfeed her?) in a sippy cup. That will make sure any nutritional and calorie gaps are covered until she gets used to the new menu.
|
|
|
|
Hi All! Hope you're well. I am at my wits end!!! My daughter, who will be 3 in October, is stuck on a menu consisting of chicken nuggets, french fries, macaroni and pizza (with very few fruits and no veggies). I know it's my own fault for introducing her to these foods when she first started developing her taste for solids. But after years of diets and learning good nutrition, I've decided I want her to learn good eating habits now so she won't have to struggle with her weight like I did. My husband and I eat a well-balanced meal every evening and we've recently decided to feed her what we eat (rather than cooking her a customized meal). NOT working. She fusses and whines and refuses to even take a small bite. She'd rather starve!!! It is so frustrating! I've tried using all of my creativity and imagination to no avail.
Does anyone have any tips to end my toddlers hunger strike?
|
|
