Child nutrition: facts about fussy food eating...

Although the troublesome tantrums that stem from tempting tots to try new tastes and textures may be tiring, introducing infants to new and unfamiliar foods doesn't have to trigger another failed fight.

In order to ensure that eating is an enjoying experience for the whole family, we're sharing ten fundamental facts that every parent should ponder when faced with fussy food eating...

1. Offering unhealthy options after the shunning of a specific food source/s can cause children to become purposely (and persistently!) picky in an attempt to acquire more favourable foods.

2. The first food refusal should never be seen as final - it can take up to 15* exposures to a new taste and/or texture before tots tuck in.

3. Force feeding won't work - the aggressive attitude that's associated with this inappropriate action can not only drive children to develop a genuine dislike for their 'feared' food/s, but it can also leave them less likely to sense their satiety signals (a core culprit responsible for obesity and overeating in later life).

4. Parental attitude plays a predominant part in problematic pickiness - parents who purposely forbid specific food sources in fear of piling on the pounds and/or display a distinct dislike for certain foods and fluids are more likely to encourage their minors to mimic the same selective trait. 

5. Tinier tots are naturally neophobic - a 'fear' of the new (including unfamiliar foods!) commonly occurs between the ages of two and six and is often seen as a natural stage of child development.

6. Combining childrens' favoured foods with their nutritional no-nos increases the incidence of initial acceptance - particularly when presented in a way which makes food appear more fun.

7. Minors are much more accepting of new and unfamiliar foods if they've participated in their prep and presentation - a reason why kids should never be banned from the kitchen!

8. Introducing too many tastes too soon can reinforce reluctance and refusal - little'uns are less likely to feel overwhelmed (and more likely to try new tastes and textures!) if an unfamiliar food is introduced every one to two* weeks.

9. Fussy food eating isn't just encouraged by apprehension, aggression and (the seeking of) attention, it can also stem from an already satisfied stomach - a reason why teaching tots to take the lead at mealtimes can reduce the risk of food refusal as a result of overeating.

10. Little'uns are less likely to try new tastes and textures if they are served in a way which fails to stimulate their senses - this includes touch, taste, sight, smell and sound.

Final thought: although the initial rejection of a new and unfamiliar food is often due to the introduction of a different taste and/or texture (not the development of a genuine dislike!), it's important to eliminate fussy food eating from an early age in order to reduce the risk of hindered health, growth and development as a result of a restricted diet.

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