Is your toddler going through a food refusal phase?
Son’t worry, mama – it is totally natural to worry about whether your little one is eating enough of the right things, especially if they start refusing foods some days, and showing signs of fussy eating.
My own toddler likes to test my memory and sanity on a regular basis, often claiming not to like something at ALL, when I distinctly remember him eating it literally just four days ago. And the other way around – stuff he HATED last week, is suddenly now his very, very favourite.
Go figure.
Toddler’s taste buds are constantly evolving, which can make mealtimes a minefield as foods once enjoyed are perhaps now refused, even if they only look slightly different.
There are ways to beat them at their own game, however – and we recently chatted to Lucy Thomas, Organix’ children’s food expert, who reminded us that having fun exploring a variety of foods, and learning to enjoy new tastes and textures – even those your toddler may be fussy about – can really help.
In fact, here are five foods Thomas recommends trying with your fussy toddlers to try:
- Get familiar
Offer a food that’s “like” something they enjoy. If they love cucumber, try slices of raw courgette, and chopped raisins are “like” dates.
- Fruit fun
Forks can turn any chunk of fruit into a lollipop, try pieces of strawberry, pineapple, melon or kiwi. Licking the fruit allows them to be in charge of how much they taste.
- Citrus fizz
Get “Fizzical” and help your child to squeeze segments of fruit, like orange or grapefruit, into a bowl to release the juice. Demonstrate how to dip your finger into the juice and paint a spot on your tongue –follow this with an enthusiastic wiggle to counteract the wiggly ziggly flavour in your mouth.
- Smashing spinach sauce
The transition from weaning to toddler meals can sometimes be tricky, so a great way to bridge the gap is to adapt puree favourites into toddler meals with tasty soups and sauces. Spinach can become smashing spinach sauce with a touch of basil and olive oil which will seem much more appetizing.
- Messy fruit & veggies
Let your toddler squash a tomato while you’re cooking. If they feel comfortable handling a food they are more likely to want to eat it. Having food adventures away from the table is a good idea – try the garden where you can kiss a carrot then kick a football, or in the bath to see if the food floats or sinks.
For more advice, tips, and recipes ideas, check out www.organix.com
