picky eaters...... -

picky eaters......

Hello all,

I have been having trouble with my 3 year old son at meal times. He is very stubborn, absolutely refuses to try anything new, often times making himself throw up, (before the food even touches his lips). A lot of the time he won't even eat foods that he likes. I have cut back on his milk intake, thinking that may be filling him up. He gets plenty of fluids. Just can't get him to eat anything other peanut butter and jelly on whole grain wheat, chicken nuggets and french fries, and fruit (lots of fruits). Any ideas or tips?

Written by Barbara

Posted on 09/26/2008

See all posts by Barbara

Answers:

RELAX! This is completely normal for his age. He is in a food rut and will eventually grow out of it. Probably not soon enough for you, but he will:) Do not limit his milk. He needs the protein, calcium and fat (it's good fat). Since he is eating fruit, be sure to offer him a variety - a rainbow of colors - red strawberries, green kiwi, yellow banana, etc...so he gets the nutrients from each. Limit his juice and sugary snacks as they are just empty calories. Try buying organic chicken nuggets or try a soy product like Morningstar Farms Chickn (I swear you won't know they aren't chicken) or bread your own chicken breast chunks and bake for him. Try to find a healthy alternative for the french fries also. Cut your own potatoes to look like fries, spritz with olive oil and bake in a 400 degree oven. The nuggets and fries he's eating now have too much saturated fat and sodium so if you can slip a healthier version, that will only benefit him. Best of luck.

posted by on 09/26/2008

Have faith - this to shall pass as my mom always seems to say and be right about it. My kids went through the same thing and now they are both fantastic eaters.

posted by Charity on 09/27/2008

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