Picky Eating: Common Reasons and Helpful Strategies

Picky eating is a common problem among children, where they refuse to eat certain foods, often preferring only a narrow range of food items. This behavior can be very frustrating for parents who may worry about their child's nutritional intake and overall health.

In this blog, we will explore some of the common reasons why kids become picky eaters and what can be done to help them develop healthier eating habits.

Sensory issues:

Some children may have sensory issues that affect their eating habits. They may find certain textures, colors, or smells of foods to be overwhelming or unpleasant, leading them to avoid these foods altogether.

Developmental changes:

As children grow and develop, their taste preferences may change. For example, a child who loved sweet foods as a toddler may start to prefer savory or bitter flavors as they get older.

Control:

Some children may use picky eating as a way to assert their independence or control over their environment. They may refuse certain foods as a way of asserting their autonomy.

Negative associations:

Children may develop negative associations with certain foods due to previous unpleasant experiences, such as choking or vomiting. These negative experiences can make them hesitant to try these foods again in the future.

Lack of exposure:

Children who are not exposed to a wide variety of foods may be more likely to become picky eaters. If they are only offered a limited range of foods, they may not develop a taste for new flavors and textures.

So, what can parents do to help picky eaters?

Offer a variety of foods:

One of the best ways to help children develop healthy eating habits is to expose them to a wide variety of foods from an early age. Offer a range of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins to help them develop a taste for different flavors and textures.

Be patient:

It can take time for children to develop a taste for new foods, so it is important to be patient and persistent. Offer new foods several times, even if your child initially refuses them.

Involve children in meal planning and preparation:

Children are more likely to try new foods if they feel involved in the process. Involve them in meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking to help them feel invested in their food choices.

Make mealtimes enjoyable:

Create a positive, relaxed atmosphere during mealtimes. Avoid pressuring children to eat or making negative comments about their food choices. Instead, focus on making mealtimes enjoyable, stress-free, and easy peasy!

Seek professional help:

In some cases, picky eating may be a sign of an underlying medical or behavioral issue. If your child's picky eating is causing significant problems or is not improving, consider seeking professional help from a pediatrician or a registered dietitian.

By offering a wide range of foods, being patient and persistent, involving children in meal planning and preparation, and creating a positive mealtime atmosphere, parents can help children develop healthy eating habits and overcome picky eating behaviors. Easy Peasie Veggie Blends are just one way to help give kids the veggie nutrition they need while discreetly exposing them to the different smells and tastes of vegetables (veggie palate priming) without the veggie fights!