Tips for Fussy Eaters

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Our nutritional demands are never greater than during the phases of life in which we are growing. Newborn babies, toddlers, children and teenagers going through a ‘growth spurt’ have incredibly high rates of growth which need to be matched with diets that are rich in nutrients to support this growth and supplements can be a welcomed addition during these life phases.  During these formative years the brain has much to get to grips with and as school starts the cogs of learning, language, memory recall, speech and behaviour all start to turn. Omega 3 fats play an important role in helping all of these areas of brain development to light up. However these essential fats are found in oily fish, a food which many children struggle to eat because of the strong flavour. So making sure your child eats a balanced diet and gets enough Omega 3 every day can be quite a challenge, especially with fussy little eaters!  Cleanmarine have the answer…

Cleanmarine for Kids come is kids sized capsules contain omega 3 wrapped up in a layer of ‘phospholipids’ which make it especially potent due to it’s easy absorption and speedy effectiveness. Taken daily, this will ensure your little ones get the omega 3 goodness they need but without the dinner table drama. Plus, there are no fishy repeats unlike fish oils.

 

Another area of children’s health that’s really important to take note of is bone development. Why is this important for bone health? Well the body uses vitamin D to control the amount of calcium that is absorbed from food AND it also helps the body deposit the calcium that’s been absorbed into bone tissue. So without a decent supply of vitamin D bone health can suffer, this is why vitamin D supplementation has become such a hot topic. Fortunately Cleanmarine Orange Burst Liquid for Kids contains Vitamin D helping to make sure that your kids have the D factor covered!

 

Most children will go through phases of fussy eating or food refusal. Generally, it is not a cause for concern and the phase will pass. Usually, this phase occurs between the ages of 2-5 years. If your child is in this phase, you may experience mealtimes like a “battle” between you and your child. The following tips are helpful in setting up healthy food routines and in managing fussy eating:

Tips to try to stop fussy eating

Make sure your child doesn’t have drinks or snacks close to mealtimes.

Encourage your child to touch, smell or taste their food.

Eat with them as often as possible and praise them when they eat well.

Make positive comments about the food.

Help your child eat well

  • Involve your child in preparing and cooking
  • Offer a variety of foods
  • Include your child’s favourite foods
  • Give your child smaller portions – if they finish, praise them and offer more
  • Let your child eat food first and give them the drink at the end of the meal
  • Limit distractions, turn off the television, tablet or phone
  • Finish the meal after about 30 minutes and accept that is all your child is going to eat.
  • Take away uneaten food without comment.

Avoid dinner time battles

  • Do not force your child to eat or use food or sweets as a reward or punishment. This can often lead to unhealthy associations with food.
  • Eat with other children of a similar age if possible. Seeing other children eating healthy foods can encourage a child to try these foods.
  • Try to focus on the good things they are doing, such as trying a new food, even touching it to start. Lead by example by eating healthier options.
  • Ignore the fussy behaviour, lots of attention may make them keep it up.
  • If you have another child who is eating well or sitting the right way, give them the plenty of praise.

Causes of fussy eating

Your child may be:

  • unwell
  • recovering from being unwell
  • eating too many snacks between meals
  • drinking too much milk or other drinks
  • showing their independent streak

Remember it can take up to 10 to 15 tries before your child will accept a new food.

Track your child’s eating

Children’s appetites are not all the same.

Track your child’s eating by:

  • making a list of all the food your child eats over a week
  • reviewing the list weekly
  • checking to see if there are foods from the 4 main food groups

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If there are foods from the 4 main food groups, and there is some variety in each group, your child’s diet is probably okay.

For more advice on your children’s health and vitamin intake, speak to your local Haven Pharmacy.