Picky eating is very common for kids, with up to 50% of children reported to be picky. Picky eating can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Nutrient deficiency can result in impaired immune system. It can also cause constipation and slow growth and short stature. Getting a picky eater to eat doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some tips for dealing with picky eaters:
1. Pair flavors
Pairing flavors is a great method that helps picky eaters eat healthier foods. This method tells us to pair an undesirable food with a flavor you enjoy. For example, if you like chocolate but aren’t crazy about fruit, you can add some strawberries to chocolate pudding. This method works with other foods as well.
2. 90/10 rule
The 90/10 rule is encouraging healthy choices most of the time but allows for some flexibility. The 90/10 rule is simple: 90 %of the diet should be focused solely on healthy food, and that extra 10% means you can feel free to eat the food you like. Most people like the 90/10 rule because it allows for occasional treats.
3. Sneak it in
Soups are a great way to incorporate more veggies into your daily diet. A great way to sneak some veggies is to grind them in a food processor and then adding them back into the soup.
4. Stay away from the unhealthy alternatives
You should clean out the refrigerator and the pantry to remove all the junk food like sweet drinks, sugary cereals, cookies, candies, fruit juice, processed snacks and more. Replace them with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. We all know that sugar is bad for us. Sugar affects our brain pathways just like addictive drugs, so getting rid of it for a while can be a good strategy.
5. Use spices
Many parents think that picky kids prefer foods lacking in flavor. But, many kids are craving more flavor and variety, so don’t be afraid to give them foods that have flavor. Sadly, most store-bought spices contain preservatives, artificial colors, and other toxic ingredients.
6. Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way of sneaking in more veggies. You can add anything to it, like blueberries, orange or banana. You can also add kale your kids’ smoothies. Kale is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and magnesium.Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has many important roles in the body.Magnesium can help prevent sudden cardiac arrest and stroke.Vitamix is a great tool for picky eaters. They are powerful blenders that can remove all the texture from foods.
7. Avoid sodas
We all know that sodas are bad for your health. Bad habits start early. So, try replacing sodas with water throughout the day.Also, sugary drinks aren’t the best for your smile. Children who drink sodas regularly also have a higher risk of heart disease. Most kids and teenagers aren’t drinking enough fluids during the day, which can lead to chronic dehydration and other related problems.
