The foods that children will want to stop eating first are likely the most important ones – like vegetables!
For example, maybe your child has never had spinach. If you know they love creamy foods, try starting off with creamed spinach rather than a spinach salad. You can also try broccoli and cheese if they like cheesy flavors. A lack of variety in foods being offered limits exposure and experiences to familiar foods only and helps children become picky eaters. [5] X Expert Source Amy ChowRegistered Dietitian Expert Interview. 6 October 2022.
Unless they have a clinical disorder like ARFID, children will eventually eat when they’re hungry.
If you’re struggling with your own picky eating habits, this might be the motivation you need to address the problem!
There are lots of things that might motivate someone to overcome picky eating. Perhaps they need a more nutritious diet to support a new exercise plan. Or maybe they’d like to show their children that they can try new foods, too!
If the picky eater has people in their life that are judgmental about their habits, tell them to avoid spending time with those people during this transition. Feeling pressured or judged may hinder their progress.
For example, steamed broccoli has a very strong and recognizable smell. That scent might be diluted in a soup recipe that calls for running the ingredients through a food processor.
Only cross an item off the list of possibilities when you and the picky eater are sure you’ve given trying it your all.
People with ARFID may also wear thick or baggy clothing to hide weight loss, not be interested in or excited about food, or will only eat foods of a certain texture. Unlike many other eating disorders, ARFID generally isn’t associated with body image issues.
Stomach cramps and/or constipation. Menstrual irregularities if they’re a girl or woman. Dizziness or fainting. Dry skin and nails. Muscle weakness. Feeling cold. Trouble recovering from minor wounds and/or illnesses. Abnormal lab results including anemia, low blood cell counts, and/or a slow heart rate.
This type of treatment will be long-term, so be patient if someone you love is struggling with ARFID. Don’t expect results or dramatic changes overnight.
