That’s because by nature, young children are fussy eaters. There can be a multitude of factors to blame for this. As children grow they want to assert their independence more and more and as there’s very little they can actually do on their own what they eat is one of the most popular ways to gain some control.
They are also are developmentally wired to be selective with food. Taste buds regenerate every two weeks. Meaning what was delicious two weeks ago is now revolting! Or viceversa. They also begin to fear new things, so introducing new foods can be a problem.
They become aware of textures, disliking lumps or things that feel "different“ in their mouths. Throw in the fact they’re growing so fast their brains demand quick-fix carbs and you’ve gota ‘Hangry’ small person asking for chips every night!!
Fussy eating is also hereditary. A study in the US found that some children carry a “bitterness” gene. A taste bud type that is far more sensitive to bitter flavours. Meaning things like green beans, olives, cauliflower etc are very unpleasant indeed! Try to remember, your child’s stomach at 2 is the on average the size of their fist. It won’t take much to fill it!
Yet so many parents come to me with anxiety over their children’s diet. When worrying about it will only make it worse! So try to educate yourself a bit, knowledge is power! I was lucky to interview a brilliant source of information on the subject, Jamie Acton. A local parent of 3, Jamie is a health, fitness and nutrition specialist.
I wanted to know about how he approaches nutrition with his daughter, Poppy now 2.
“What did you study In nutrition?”
I went to University and obtained a strength and conditioning degree in sports science, I also have a Level 4 in nutrition (RSPH) and spent half my life as a professional rugby player and coach. I’ve also worked with professional athletes, the public and vulnerable children.
“When did you start weaning your youngest Poppy?"
Quite early on, she was around 4 months old. She was exclusively breast fed for 3 months then went onto formula and solids.
“What foods did you introduce?”
We began adding fish oil tablets in her bottle at first then gave her what ever we were eating. She enjoyed things like cottage cheese, natural yoghurt, spinach leaves, Salmon (once she was 7 months) and eggs.
We avoided any processed food, and sugar (except natural sugars found in fruit.
“Was there anything Poppy refused?”
Yoghurt now red meat. She will eat it when encouraged though.
“Where you a “good” eater as a child?”
Yes. We had no choice! My mother cooked home cooked food, most parents did back then!
“Do you think cost is a barrier to a child eating healthy?”
I think cost can be a barrier however it’s not that simple, disposable income definitely allows freedom of choice and makes it much easier and quicker to access better food options. Whereas financially vulnerable families care more about their children just having enough to eat never mind food quality. So I think suggesting that cost is not a barrier at all is unfair on those families, but to the families that CAN afford it, I find it tends to boil down to lack of effort and prioritising healthy food over other things in their life. But again usually this is down to the parents values regarding their own health so it’s a psychological and value sissue, not really a financial one.
“Is there any one food you would encourage all parents to ensure they have in theirchild’s diet?”
Definitely anything containing fish oil, (oily fish like salmon and trout or add via supplements), magnesium (legumes like beans, nuts and bananas) and zinc like red meats, nuts or seeds.
I’d also encourage as many different textures and food types as you can very early on, Sit and eat with your child and show that you enjoy ALL foods. Try to offer enough of the right food to fill your child up. That way they’re not as likely to demand chocolate and crisps.
“Do you think a child is affected by their parents diet?”
Yes definitely, as I mentioned before it’s about parents values, also genetics and what themother eats while expecting. But more than anything, it’s learned behaviour.
Jamie’s final thoughts were, “it’s important for children to have the basis of their diet basedon a diverse range of whole foods with a balanced amount of good quality natural protein sources, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This combined with lots of early exercise, low stress environment, sunlight, sleep and love. I’d also recommend fish oil with a high quantity of EPA and DHA to boost cognitive development”