Picky Eaters

As a mom, one of the things that we often struggle with is what our kids eat. We are in a state of constant concern about what goes into their mouths (both food and non-food items because that does happen!) While this (for the most part) is a normal thing to have concern about, I think we all from time to time may worry more than what is actually necessary.

This is why, when I came accross this great article, that I thought it would be a good one to share with you all. Being the mom of a picky eater myself, I found these ideas and insights very helpful. I certainly won't stop sneaking in fruits and veggies wherever I can; modeling healthy eating behaviours; continuing to reintroduce different flavours to my child's palate; or even limiting high-sugar foods and treats....but it does serve as a reminder that at the end of the day, we need to relax our worries a bit about what our children are eating - or not eating!

Let me know your thoughts!

http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/healthy-eating/let-my-kids-be-picky-eaters/

Below is a funny chart taken from the article. The first part represents a sample meal plan for toddlers provided by the American Association of Pediatrics. (But as you will see, it looks like it was written by a bunch of people without children). The second part represents what the writer's children actually ate this one day. You'll laugh because you will be able to relate!

Breakfast	1 slice wheat bread 1 soft-boiled egg 2 oz. orange juice
Snack	1 medium apple, sliced 2 oz. whole milk
Lunch	1/2 peanut butter sandwich (1/2 Tbsp. peanut butter, 1 slice wheat bread) 2 oz. whole milk 4 baby carrots, raw
Snack	1/4 cup dry cereal 0.5 oz. cheddar cheese cubes
Dinner	1/2 cup cooked pasta 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce with 1 oz. lean, ground beef 3 broccoli spears 4 oz. water
Snack	1/4 cup canned fruit cocktail in juice 1/4 cup low-fat fruit yogurt

Breakfast	Chocolate croissant from local bakery
Snack	Five bites of five different apple slices
Lunch	4 oz. orange juice 4 gigantic chicken strips (The older child just ate the breading off her strips) Fries
Snack	Cheddar Bunnies (they are just fancy, organic Goldfish)
Dinner	Three spoonfuls of brown rice with chopped-up broccoli, then declared “ALL DONE” 5 oz. bathwater
Snack	The cream filling from two Oreo cookies