How do I get my toddler to eat?

Albah

So Big E has gone on a food strike! If it were up to him, he would live off of pizza and pasta. I know our family is Italian at heart but geez, these are the only foods he eats without a fight. Mac n cheese and chicken are next on the list but even these we struggle with at times. My husband and I always said we were not going to introduce him to "bad" foods but we ended up giving in a bit since sometimes that's all he will eat. I know toddlers go through a phase where they don't eat as much and that's fine, except I feel that he is skinnier than he should be; he's been 27 lb for like 6 months. Are we the only ones that struggle with this? If so, any tricks of the trade to get them to eat a bit more while this phase lasts? Thanks in advance!

MrsLeanna

More than likely it's a phase.  Keep offering the good stuff at every meal (or as often as you can). Change it up a bit and make sure he has variety. I never make food an issue. If Alexis says she's done, then she's done, even if she hardly eats, I don't want it to be a fight. She would live off of french fries if she could! If we go out to eat and she has fries, I know that her intake will be 90% fries, 10% whatever else there is and I'm ok with that, but then the next meal will be healthier (hopefully). Also, try the Jessica Seinfeld Deceptively Delicious meals - I have the book but I don't follow the recipes exactly, I take inspiration from it and add the purees to my own recipes so that I know Alexis is getting veggies. Also, don't make yourself a short order cook, stick with whatever you give him first, he'll eat when he's hungry. 

Nothing wrong with pizza and pasta though Add in good stuff to those. It's normal at this age to be finicky - love something one day, hate it the next! Keeps us on our toes!

UMwife

Have you tried making meals "fun" or in interesting shapes? I read an article that used sliced green peppers (as the leaves for a Christmas tree), ranch dressing drizzled on in a zigzag, cherry tomatoes (as ornaments), and a stick of cheese as the bottom of the tree. It requires a little extra effort, but maybe it'll work. Or even using cookie cutters to make sandwiches in fun shapes (star, heart, Mickey Mouse head, etc)

 We're not quite there with C yet so maybe my suggestions are off base. Good luck!! 

TayLynn

Ditto pp about Deceptively Delicious.  I bought it at Target for $5 recently.

There are healthier versions of pasta like quinoa which is a complete protein.  I buy a pasta made from it at Publix in their Greenwise section.  Andrew loves it! 

With toddlers it's not how much they eat at a given meal or even a day.  It's about their nutrition and intake over a course of a week. 

Dr Sears has a great article on picky toddler eaters with helpful tips.

 Andrew is still at an age where he doesn't know that he could have french fries with his Chik Fil A.  LOL  He gets a fruit cup instead.  I put some chicken out first and a few pieces of fruit.  Then he might get one or two of our fries if he's eating well.  Otherwise he would just fill up on fries.

I know that part is going to get more difficult as he gets older! 

good luck

Albah

Thanks for all the great suggestions!