The Struggle is Real: Tips for Dealing with Picky Eaters

  Does mealtime at your house resemble a battlefield? If you're constantly battling with your child over what they will and won't eat, you're not alone. Picky eating is a common problem among children, and it can be incredibly frustrating for parents.

 

There are several reasons why children may become picky eaters. Some common culprits include:

 

Neophobia: This is a fear of new things, which can extend to new foods.

Texture Aversion: Some children are particularly sensitive to the textures of certain foods.

Control Issues: Picky eating can be a way for children to assert their control over their environment.

Modeling: Children often learn by watching the adults around them. If you're a picky eater yourself, your child is more likely to be one too.

 

Here are a few tips for dealing with picky eaters:

Stay Calm: It's important to stay calm and avoid getting into power struggles with your child over food.

Offer Choices: Give your child a few choices of healthy foods to eat at each meal. This will give them a sense of control and make them more likely to try something new.

Make Mealtime Fun: Create a positive and relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes. Avoid distractions such as television or tablets.

Be a Role Model: Set a good example for your child by eating a healthy variety of foods yourself.

Get Your Child Involved: Involve your child in the meal planning and preparation process. This can help them to feel more invested in their food.

Don't Force It: Don't force your child to eat something they don't want. This will only make them more resistant to trying it in the future.

Offer New Foods Repeatedly: It can take a child multiple exposures to a new food before they're willing to try it. Don't give up if they refuse it the first time.

Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Wraps

Even the pickiest eaters will find these rainbow veggie wraps appealing! They're packed with colorful vegetables and a creamy hummus dressing, making them a fun and healthy way to get your child to eat their veggies.

 

Ingredients:

4 whole wheat tortillas

1/2 cup hummus

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dried dill

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup shredded cucumber

1 cup shredded zucchini

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the hummus, yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and garlic powder.

Spread the hummus dressing evenly over the tortillas.

Top each tortilla with shredded carrots, cucumber, zucchini, and red bell pepper.

Roll up the tortillas tightly.

Cut the wraps in half and serve.

Tips:

 

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables in these wraps. Other good options include spinach, shredded broccoli, or chopped tomatoes.

If your child is hesitant to try the feta cheese, you can leave it out or substitute another type of cheese.

You can also add lean protein to these wraps, such as grilled chicken or shredded turkey.