Parent Hacks for Picky Eaters
If your kids are anything like mine, you’ve probably had your fair share of picky eating battles. If I would let him, Blake would eat chicken nuggets for every meal. Seriously, if chicken nuggets were a food group my kids would be thriving. Most days I will pick my battles when it comes to deciding what my kids are going to eat, but I do get worried on days when they don’t drink enough water, or a veggie has yet to make it past their lips. You’re not alone with your fears and frustrations when it comes to your toddler’s picky eating habits, but over the last couple of months I’ve incorporated some of these tips and tricks into mealtime, including some greens, and it’s been working great for us!
Picky eating can be a common issue with kids, especially when they hit toddlerhood, or around their first birthday. I recently read a book called “Crunch!” by Orlena Kerek that focuses on picky eating, and she stated that it’s normal for babies and toddlers to be super picky about trying new foods, but to always remember that this is all new to them. It’s like riding a bike. Your child most likely won’t get it or maybe even like it on the first try, especially if they happen to fall, but with repeated exposure and patience they will be more open to it. Sames goes for trying new foods. On days where Blake might not even touch a veggie, I also have peace of mind knowing that his Hiya’s multivitamin and greens powder can supplement any nutritional gaps. Blake loves the chocolate flavor which is a huge bonus because he thinks he’s drinking a chocolate shake. Just add a scoop to your toddler’s morning milk and voila they are getting 55+ whole food ingredients thinking they are drinking a milkshake. Now that’s a mom win.
My first tip that is working great for Blake is sneaking veggies into some of his favorite foods. This approach has worked well for us because he doesn’t freak out when I pair it with a familiar food or into something he already loves. Some of his favorite combos are nuggets made with cauliflower, pasta with peas or corn and sometimes the occasional quesadilla with shredded lettuce. Blake loves cheese, just like his mama, so half the time he doesn’t notice the difference.
My second tip is to serve veggies in fun shapes. Instead of just slicing them, use vegetable cutters. These are the cutters I use for the kids! I’ve found by doing this it makes the veggies more appealing for Blake and Blaire to eat. It does take a little more time when preparing meals, but a small effort can go a long way.
My third tip is to involve your kids in cooking. I’ve found that when Blake helps my husband or I cook it makes him more interested in trying new foods. Gary is an amazing cook, so I love to have the kids watch him because they are always a little more interested and motivated to eat when they see what dad is making. We also always try and sit down for dinner as a family, which I know is not always possible, but I do notice that my kids are more motivated to eat when we are all together at the table. I also love and cherish us all being together at the end of a long day.
My fourth tip is to try pureeing different vegetables and adding them into sauces or soups. I love our Ninja blender because it gets the job done. Sometimes both my kids can be weird about textures of certain foods but pureeing veggies like carrots, tomatoes, spinach, you name it and then adding them into pasta sauces or soups can be a game changer. Trust me, my kids can’t tell a difference and it’s a definitely a mom win every time. I also will add veggies into baked goods. I love when it’s pumpkin spice season because I get to make my favorite gluten-free muffins (I have celiac disease so that’s why I do gluten-free!) with pumpkin puree. My kids can’t get enough of them and neither can I! As much as I love summer, I’m so looking forward to fall this year.
My fifth tip is once a food is accepted, meaning your toddler loved mashed sweet potatoes, try keeping that same texture or color to help expand variety in what they will eat. Both my kids love anything mashed up, so mashed avocado, potatoes, and even cauliflower with a little butter are huge hits in our house.
My final tip is to stay persistent and patient. Trust me, my patience has dwindled over the years but staying consistent and not giving up after one try has allowed my kids to try new foods and flavors, I thought they never would. I also have limited snacking which has helped tremendously.
Let me just say that there’s no right or wrong way when it comes to getting your toddler to try new foods or eat their veggies. I’m sure I’m not the first to say this but it’s a long game. Some days your kids might surprise you and others you’ll feel like you want to pull your hair out. I’ve learned that balance is key. I know that my kids may only want mac and cheese or chicken nuggets for dinner one night, but I’ll then focus on getting their veggies in the following day. Even if it’s just one bite. I always try and lead by example, because I know my kids are watching. It can be exhausting and hard to develop healthy routines and habits with toddlers, but with consistency and persistence, it’ll sure pay off for you and your kids in the long run.
