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How do I get my child to eat her vegetables? How do i get my child to eat healthy? Why does my child not eat?

“Is your child a fussy eater? Is your child refusing to eat? Does your child’s lunch box come back full? If so, here are some ways to deal with that. 

Why is my child a fussy eater?

Fussy eating, also known as picky eating, is a common behavior in young children. It is characterized by a reluctance to try new foods, a limited variety of foods eaten, and strong preferences for certain foods or textures. While fussy eating is often a normal part of development, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an eating disorder.

We have a natural treatment to manage fussy eaters in children with the help of our team members

Types of fussy eater?

  • The Texture Rejector: These kids are particularly sensitive to the texture of food and may gag or refuse to eat anything that is slimy, bumpy, or mushy. They may prefer foods that are soft, smooth, and easy to chew.
  • The Flavor Averse: These kids are sensitive to strong flavors and may avoid foods that are spicy, sour, or bitter. They may prefer bland foods with little taste. 
  • The Neophobic Novice: These kids are afraid of new foods and may have a strong aversion to trying anything new. They may only eat a handful of familiar foods and may refuse to even look at new dishes.
  • The Limited Repertoire: These kids have a very limited range of foods that they will eat and may refuse to try anything new. They may only eat a few different types of food, such as chicken nuggets, french fries, or pasta
  • The Controller: These kids use food as a way to control their environment and may throw tantrums or refuse to eat if they don’t get their way. They may have specific demands about how their food is prepared or served. 

Reasons why children become fussy eaters. 

Nutrition Deficiencies

It is often noted that children who have nutrient deficiencies of Zinc, Iron, and Vitamin B12 have a tendency to be fussy eater, poor sleepers and exhibit hyperactive behaviour. Some of these nutrient deficiencies start very early and can be passed from the mother if the mother was low in iron and essential nutrients during pregnancy.

Poor Gut Microbiome

If the child is born with a poor gut microbiome, the child may have tendency to recurring infections and toxin build up. The gut microbiome can be passed down by mother who may have a poor gut microbiome during the pregnancy of the child. Hence at Morkare we look at both childs and mother nutrient levels and work on improving both mother and childs gut microbiome

Recurring Infections and Allergies

Children who have had recurring bacterial or viral infections, such as recurring tonsiltis, recurring  ear infections or recurring flus, tend to have inflamed airway passages that make it difficult for the child to swallow and taste certain textures of food.

Sensory Sensitivities: A World of Unpleasant Textures and Flavors

Some children are particularly sensitive to certain textures, flavors, or smells, making mealtimes a daunting experience. For instance, a child might gag at the bumpy texture of broccoli or recoil at the intense sweetness of candy. These sensory sensitivities can lead to a restricted diet, as children avoid foods that trigger unpleasant sensations.

Fear of the Unknown: Taming the Neophobia

Young children are naturally cautious and may be hesitant to try new foods, a phenomenon known as neophobia. The unfamiliar appearance, texture, or flavor of a new dish can evoke fear and anxiety, leading them to reject it outright. Overcoming this neophobia requires patience, repeated exposure, and positive associations with new foods.

Learned Behaviors: The Power of Past Experiences

Negative experiences with food can create lasting associations, shaping a child’s eating habits. For example, if a child gets sick after eating a particular food, they may develop an aversion to it, even if the illness was unrelated. These learned behaviors can be challenging to overcome, as they require breaking the negative association and building trust with food.

Temperament and Control: Asserting Independence

Individual temperaments play a role in picky eating. Some children are naturally more cautious and less adventurous, making them more prone to selective eating habits. Additionally, children may use food as a way to assert their independence and control their environment, leading to power struggles at mealtimes

How Morkare can help:

  • We have helped many kids and their families overcome picky eating. We educate both adults and kids about food and nutrition. Our approach is patient, understanding, and tailored to each child’s and family’s needs.
  • We support the gut microbiome but cleansing and replenishing. We may organise the CDSA Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis to review how the child’s gut microbiome is functioning.
  • We organise the Hair MIneral Analysis test ( HTMA) in order to check for toxin overload and mineral deficiency in children.
  • We also give parents easy-to-follow dietary and lifestyle tips.
  • We give nutritional supplements to fix any vitamin or mineral shortages.
  • We use homeopathy and naturopathy to help calm overactive nervous systems and immunity to prevent infections and heal the inflammation. 

Addressing Picky Eating: A Multifaceted Approach

Helping picky eaters expand their palates and adopt healthier eating habits requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes and fosters a positive relationship with food. Here are some effective strategies:

    • Patience and Consistency: Change takes time. Repeated exposure to new foods in a positive and pressure-free environment is key.
    • Involve Children in Meal Planning: Let them choose foods they’re interested in trying, increasing ownership and engagement.
    • Make Mealtimes Enjoyable: Focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, free from distractions and pressure to eat.
    • Serve New Foods with Familiar Favorites: Pair new foods with familiar ones, providing a sense of security and encouraging exploration.
    • Variety is Key: Offer a diverse range of textures, colors, and flavors to pique curiosity and broaden their acceptance.
  • Model Healthy Eating Habits: Children learn by observing. Set a positive example by incorporating a variety of healthy foods into your own diet.

Remember, every child is unique, and their approach to food will be as well. With patience, understanding, and a supportive environment, you can help your child overcome picky eating habits and develop a healthy relationship with food.

Book in to see one of team members who are best to discuss fussy earters with a tailored plan to address the underlying causes of fussy eating.

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