Tips for Your Picky Eater

Got a picky eater? There are numerous reasons why children are picky eaters. Children on the spectrum face difficulties with food sensitivities such as taste, texture, or smell. By having foods that they are familiar with, provides a routine and comfort. However, the lack of a well balanced diet leads to an unhealthy lifestyle and weight gain. Below are some tips to help your child try different foods other than chicken nuggets and cookies. 

1. Introduce New Foods
   It is important to slowly introduce new foods into your child’s diet. Even if they hate it, at least they are trying new foods. This can be the most difficult part because this is the time to figure out what types of foods your child will enjoy. 

2.  Incorporating Healthy Foods to Preferred Meals
   If your child is enjoying one of their preferred meals you can add a few pieces of fruits or vegetables to accompany your child’s meal. They can alternate between eating the preferred food and the healthy options. This will make healthy foods more bearable. 

3. Creativity in the Kitchen
   If your child is having difficulty even attempting to eat healthy foods, try sneaking it in their meals. Blend vegetables to make a healthier version of a pizza sauce, pasta sauce, or zucchini brownies. Making their preferred meals into a healthier version might open up the opportunity to try new foods. 

4. Having Little Helpers in the Kitchen
   For some children, trying new foods can bring out meltdowns, anxiety, and fear. By having your child help you out in the kitchen they can overcome that fear and anxiety by engaging with the different types of foods and ingredients. By doing so, this can spark curiosity and creativity in the kitchen. 

5. Unity at the Dinner Table
   Give your child the same food as the rest of your family. This can promote healthy eating habits at the dinner table. Also, the child can get used to eating and exploring different foods at the dinner table. By trying new foods in the comfort of their own home they might be more inclined to try something new.

Not only is it important for your child to be actively trying out new foods, but it is also important for your child to have a positive relationship with food as well. If your child is having a hard time eating and might be scared of food, there are a few tips to try prior to diving head first into the uncertainty of new foods.

1. Construct a Social Story
   A positive social story will help reduce fears and anxiety of new foods. 

2. Celebrate Your Child
   Constantly praising your child and cheering them on will motivate them to try new foods. As a parent it is vital to be your child’s cheerleader. Celebrate the small and large victories. 

3. Play with Food Related Toys
   My playing with toys, a kitchen play set, or creating an imaginary food game will help your child be comfortable with the idea of different foods. 

4. Reward System
   Find something that your child loves such as stickers, books, action figures, and as a parent you can set goals and different rewards that will work for your child. By taking the attention off the food and into a reward system this can get your child excited about the things they love.