child refusing to eat

Question
My 3 year old child is completely refusing to eat what I give him. He is not talking yet so this makes it harder. He does not understand the reward system. He runs away screaming as soon as food is brought out to him. Please help.  

Answer
Hello John!

Thank you for your nutrition question. I know how upsetting it can be to watch your child refuse their meals. When a child refuses food meal after meal and day after day, it gets to the stage that you are convinced they are the worse for it. Rest assured that a healthy child would not starve himself into ill health. There are a few things that you can try, however, to help your little boy get through this faddy phase:


?Some children fill up on fluids. To help avoid this situation, check that he is drinking enough but not too much. One pint of whole milk and no more than two small beakers of fruit juice are recommended each day. If he is thirsty, water is the best drink to quench thirst between meals. Also, a drink should be left until the end of a meal so that it does not fill up his tummy, leaving less room for food.
?Try to build up his appetite by ensuring he has nothing to eat or drink for at least two hours before a main meal. Exercise such as playing outside in the fresh air, a walk in the park or a swim will also help build up an appetite before dinner.
?Sometimes food refusal becomes a habit with the child. Try and break the habit. Tell yourself that for the next week''there will be no fuss about food at any meal'. If a meal is unfinished, take it away without any fuss. Save what you can by putting leftovers in the fridge. Try not to get upset over good food that is wasted remember this faddy phase will probably only be short term.
?Do not be tempted to give sweets or treats after a meal to make up for the missing calories. Yoghurt or fruit for dessert are recommended, but sweets or ice cream are not.
?Give your son his favourite''healthy' food for main meals and at dessert. It does not matter if his diet is monotonous as long as he is eating some staple foods.
?A healthy supplement called Juice Plus gummies is recommended. They are made from fresh fruits and vegetables and can be purchased at www.juiceblend.com
?If you are worried about your little boy, you could make an appointment with a dietician. Go to www.eatright.org to find one in your area. Alternatively, you could talk to your local public health nurse or General practitioner.

For more answers to your nutrition questions check out "Ask the Nutritionists" by George Rapitis at www.authorhouse.com or your favorite bookstore.

-George Rapitis, Bsc. Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com

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