How to fix common mealtime eating problems
The problems, their reasons, and the solutions for mealtimes
-
Is co-author of Nurturing with Nutrition and a former president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics representing over 100,000 Nutrition professionals, while also active as a clinical dietitian in South Florida.
Article in collaboration with:
Melanie Bazarte, PhD
Are your kids having eating problems at mealtimes? Many have simple solutions.
Kids who don't eat well often have common eating problems. Many have obvious reasons and some have easy solutions, as our chart can show you. But if they don't respond or have additional feeding problems, let your doctor know so he or she can direct you to get the help you need.
| Eating Problem | Reason | Solution |
| Doesn't eat breakfast | Too rushed; not hungry so early; doesn't like breakfast food | Wake up earlier and make breakfast relaxed; serve nutritious non-breakfast foods like soup, pizza, or sandwiches; allow child to get own simple breakfast |
| Won't eat veggies | Doesn't like them; will probably outgrow aversion | Serve fruits with the same nutrients; shred veggies into casseroles, spaghetti sauce, puree into soups. |
| Refuses to eat foods if touching one another | Common preference | Respect their wishes: allow her to place her food on the plate or serve it on a divided plate |
| On food jag | The more you push the longer it will last | Put up with for a week; then resume offering a variety of food |
| Leaves a lot of food on plate | Appetite varies; too large a portion | Let your child decide how much he or she eats; serve smaller portions. |
| Fills up on snacks frequently | Needs more energy; bored | Offer fruit, yogurt, or cheese halfway between meals; find interesting activities |
| Wants cookie before dinner | Hungry | "Yes, you can have a cookie. After dinner." Offer a cracker or a piece of cheese |
| Not Hungry at mealtime | Snacking/ grazing/ too much beverage; doesn't like food served | "Sit at the table with us for 10 minutes. I'll save some dinner for you for late.r" Time snacks appropriately; limit liquids before and at mealtime |
| Rejects whole meal as "yucky" | Wants attention; not hungry | "I see you do not want to eat." Excuse the child from the table, and offer a small, nutritious snack ½ hour later. Always include a familiar food in every meal; watch portion size |
Subscribe Be the first to know