Annabel Karmel MBE, internationally recognised expert on nutrition for children and bestselling author, was in Dubai recently to launch her new line of baby food. In an interview with GN Focus, she dispenses useful tips for mothers with fussy eaters.
It should not be all mashed up.
Children like to see their food, so don’t mash everything up into one ugly gruel.
Don’t let them eat just anything.
With fussy eaters, mothers are scared that they aren’t getting any nutrition, so they are happy when the child eats just about anything.
Remember, they are more likely to try something new when they are hungry. Stop feeling guilty and letting them snack on cookies and candy.
Ignore attention-seeking behaviour.
Playing with food is often a case of trying to get attention. Don’t acknowledge them for not eating, instead, make a big deal when they try something new.
Get them to try finger foods.
Kids love eating with their fingers. Make bite-sized finger foods and let them eat on their own.
Maintain a detailed food diary.
For working mothers, who have nannies looking after the children, maintaining a record of what your child is eating is a good idea.
Involve them to raise interest levels.
Involve children in the kitchen as this helps build their interest in the food and they see it as a fun activity. Plus, they will readily eat something they have helped create.
Add flavour and make food tasty.
Kids don’t like bland food. Try and make baby food as interesting as you would your meals. Season and flavour well.
Make their snacks super healthy.
Always keep something healthy in the fridge, so snack time is not junk food time.
