Friday, March 29, 2024
Friday, March 29, 2024

My Child Is A Fussy Eater. Here’s How She Still Gets Her Nutrients.

fussy eater child

Kids can be picky eaters. Is it a phase or something more?

“No, that’s gross!”

You sigh. “Here we go again,” you mutter softly as the plate of fruits or veggies you’ve chopped as small as you possibly can is pushed back in your direction. Another day, another dinner standoff between your child and those “icky green things” on the plate (or as us adults know it, broccoli). This may be happening for what seems like weeks, months, or even years. If you can’t get them to eat their fruits and vegetables, is it possible your child is actually deficient in key nutrients? 

We’re guessing you’ve gotten this before when you try to feed your child a healthy plate of fruits and veggies.

It’s a fear that crosses the minds of a lot of parents. We want our children to grow up big and strong, and we know that healthy eating is the best way to limit unknown deficiencies in our little bundle of joy. Yet if they’re not getting the vitamins and minerals they need, what can you do to prevent them from future nutrition-related issues or illnesses?

Here’s what you need to know about how to make sure your fussy eater isn’t actually malnourished: 

Don’t Panic!

Your fussy child isn’t the only kid sending his or her plate back: a recent CDC study found that only 16% of kids who eat vegetables are eating dark green vegetables. But all hope is not lost. Part of the issue is simply the taste of these foods; kids are more sensitive to the bitter taste, which may be why they can’t stomach the thought of another bite of broccoli. Of course, you may know plenty of adults with strange eating habits too. Did you know that Apple founder Steve Jobs would famously only eat one or two foods for weeks at a time? While this certainly isn’t recommended, if your child is still figuring out what they like or don’t like, it’s okay. Extremely picky eaters may need help with a specialized treatment plan, but there’s a really good chance they just don’t like some of what you’re putting on their plate. 

It’s Also About Control

Even fussy eaters pick Hiya as their multivitamin of choice.

You may not believe this, but your child actually is also engaged in a power struggle with you; they just may not realize it. Sociologist and author of It’s Not About the Broccoli Dina Rose, Ph.D. explains that it’s a part of your child’s development process. Taste may play a part, but “even in these instances, the refusal to try that food is an expression of fear or other feelings. Control and being able to control their own food environment is a primary problem.” Part of their growth isn’t just learning how to walk or say “Mama,” they’re also learning how to make decisions. Choosing what foods they want and choosing whether they swallow the food you’re feeding them is part of how they’re figuring out what they can control. 

But they still have to get their essential vitamins and minerals. What works for us is offering the fruits and vegetables alongside a Hiya children’s multivitamin. Made with 12 organic fruits and vegetables, then supercharged with 15 essential vitamins and minerals, it’s got plenty of what kids need in their daily nutrition. It helps supplement their daily intake to give you peace of mind that they’re getting some of the essential nutrition they need. 

The other really smart thing about pairing a Hiya children’s multivitamin next to the fruits or veggies they’re being fussy about? It lets them choose to take the vitamin! You’re allowing your fussy eater to learn how to make choices. Plus with its natural monk fruit flavoring, it’s got the sweetness kids enjoy without any added sugar. So you let them make a choice, and when they discover their choice was a delicious one, they get to enjoy a delicious, nutritious vitamin! 

Conclusion

Eventually, you can keep working on fruits and vegetables to make sure they have proper nutrition. Part of your child’s growth is allowing them to make decisions. Giving them good choices is how you can help them get past their fussy phase and prevent them from being malnourished. If you’re still unsure about your child’s nutrition, reach out to their pediatrician who will be happy to help.

Toni Edwards

Toni Edwards (39) is an Editor for The Daily Post specializing in Fitness, Health, Fashion, and Parenting with a focus on women's wellness. She's ghostwritten several books for people you've heard of and has edited for a variety of academic journals. She fiercely believes in the power of holistic medicine and a good laugh.

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