Picky eating is typical behaviour in children, and parents sometimes overlook it, mistaking it for tantrums. Especially in Indian families, where children’s unbridled love of potatoes is an obvious indicator of fussy eating, refusing to eat any type of green food is clear evidence of picky eating. However, if not handled promptly, it can develop into a life-long habit, causing your child to become a picky eater for the rest of his or her life. Picky eating is troublesome not only because your child will insist on particular foods for the rest of his life, but also because his body will be deprived of essential nutrients.
To handle this issue in your developing child, you must first comprehend the concept, be able to recognize the indications and learn how to avoid fussy eating. Let’s get this party started.
What does Picky eat mean?
Picky eating is defined as when a kid or adult frequently declines specific types of foods or eats the same things over and again. Picky eating is most common throughout the toddler and preschool years.
Picky eating symptoms
A parent, or even an adult, should check for these indicators to discover whether their child is prone to fussy eating.
1- When a person avoids whole food groupings
2- When body growth and weight increase are influenced
3- If a kid exhibits symptoms of anxiety, concern, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
4- A lack of appetite
Methods for avoiding picky eating
Avoid eating under pressure
It may appear to be the correct thing to do at the time, but forcing a child to eat a specific sort of food will not help. Adults should not be pushed to eat specific foods by their parents or peer groups.
The ideal method is to sample everything on the food table, to take your time exploring the flavor and enjoying the substitution, and to have a modest quantity of new cuisine.
Alter your cooking process
Change the way you prepare foods that your kid or you dislike. Experiment with adding items that you enjoy to the meal so that it becomes a positive for you.
For example, if your toddler dislikes green veggies, puree them and add them to dals, sabzi, or mix the dough with them. Add your child’s favorite spices or flavors.
Take your time.
It is essential to incorporate everything that your child avoids in the diet, but do not rush through the procedure. Instead, offer one new thing at a time, giving your youngster time to digest the dietary changes and appreciate the meal.