Picky... In a Good Way

Picky eating is one of the most common issues that I see parents having with their toddlers and even grown children. I know countless kids that will only eat chicken nuggets, mac and cheese and/or hotdogs. I don't know how these kids get the nutrients that they need to grow and develop properly! As much as some of these aversions can't be helped because there are certain flavors and textures that some people just can't handle... a lot of them can be avoided. I don't know what makes Isaac different except for the way we treat mealtimes.

Isaac won't touch chicken nuggets or hotdogs... McDonald's grosses him out and he refuses it. The only fried type of chicken he'll eat is REAL chicken (chicken strips or KFC style fried chicken). The reconstituted stuff will sit on his plate... and sit and sit until I have to throw it away. I didn't raise him on these foods so he's not used to them. As soon as I was able to start introducing solid foods, I always gave him choices on the same plate. Yes, this ended up wasting a bit of food because he didn't eat it all, however, it's payed off in the long run. I would always give him a protein, a veggie and a fruit (and a starch, like pasta, if I had it around). This gave him a foundation in round, balanced meals. I also tried to avoid serving him the same things day after day so he wouldn't become dependent on a handful of foods and avoid anything new.

Again, I'm not saying that this is the right way but it worked great for us. It takes a little extra time in meal planning and prep, but Isaac's current eating habits are worth all the extra time and energy spent. Luke thought I was a bit crazy for spending so much time worrying about it and planning, but I felt it was important.

Now, snack times consist of Isaac asking for healthy options (I DO give him sweeter, more unhealthy options, but he always gets to choose). It's rare that he'll opt for a cookie or something like that over a plate of cheese, crackers and apple slices or pita chips and hummus. Even if he does opt for a cookie, he usually eats half of it and decides he doesn't want the rest.

I was taking a shower the other day, got out and found him on the couch chowing down on smuggled raisins from the pantry. He bypassed the chocolate chips, potato chips, and even the granola bars... he just wanted raisins. How can a mom be mad about their kid sneaking RAISINS?!

I made him pizza and spaghetti alfredo with asparagus for dinner last night. Again, I had to beg him to even take a bite or two of his pizza. All he wanted was the pasta and veggies. Not to mention he'll eat his weight in salad. You can't get frustrated with that!

He does go through some picky days/stages, but for the most part, he's the best eater I've ever seen and I love it!

This kid is picky... in all the opposite ways than what I'm used to seeing with kids. Crazy.