As a paediatric dietitian here is why I adore working on strategies to overcome picky eating and other kids nutrition challenges

By Registered Nutritionist and Calgary Paediatric Dietitian Lindsay Rieger.

Here are the top 3 reasons why I love working with kids…

1. Children are refreshingly honest which what makes them the ideal clientele.” What, you had a less than ideal breakfast choice?” Nothing to be ashamed of with children, in fact they wear that food choice like a badge of honour…AND they are happy to tell you all about those tasty little fruit loops.
2. Helping parents. Watching your children struggle daily with nutrition sucks. A LOT. Taking some of that stress off parents and being an ongoing support is incredibly rewarding, especially since I’ve been in that stressed out parent’s shoes.
3. And finally, the media LOVES to pour guilt all over parents for everything possible and feeding children is no exception (Major pet peeve). Clearing up ridiculous myths and explaining the actual facts and science is a whole lot of fun.

Read more from paediatric dietitian Lindsay Rieger here on this post about dealing with picky eating, nutrition for kids and her dietitian journey feeding her own children: Food, Feeding, Fun and Frustration: Top Lessons Learned from a Dietitian Momma

Try some of these tips to work through picky eating

1) Always eat together

As much as possible ensure that you eat together as a family at a table, this will help your child learn table manners as well as engage in healthy eating behaviors. Studies show that children that eat at a table and with a family stay at a healthier body weight.  

2) Be a role model

Children are very observant. They watch and often copy those around them. Let your child see you making the same healthy choices you are asking them to make! Kids will be better eaters and more willing to try new foods if they watch you do it first and eat the same foods as them. It might take time, but they will do the same.  

3) Keep meal times pleasant

If meal times become a time of stress, anxiety or discomfort, your kids will not enjoy eating. They will start to associate these emotions with mealtimes or food. You want to ensure you have positive talk and engage in safe topics while eating, especially when introducing new foods.  

For more tips to deal with picky eating, click here.