Part of the parents job is to worry. Although I tried to get my son to eat well, he just was not going to eat anything green! At the age of 40, he is still rather persistent in his intolerance to the color green. As I both matured as a parent and grew weary, also as a parent, I found it far more helpful to offer him choices. A pasta bar or a taco bar brought far better results than threats of trips to the moon.
A good thing to know is that fruits are also good sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. There is no question that a variety of fruits and vegetables each day is optimal but if your child is willing to fight to the death…serve him a suitable substitution! Below, find a little list of substitutions for commonly refused foods.
I made a great graph but can't get it to post correctly! Someday I'll learn to use the computer. So here goes! Hope this is helpful and not confusing.
Won't eat BROCCOLI serve ORANGES and won't miss Vitamin C and Potasium
Won't eat CARROTS serve CANTALOUPE, MANGO won't miss Carotenoids, Minerals
Won't eat GREEN BEANS serve RAISINS won't miss Potassium, Magnesium
Won't eat SPINACH serve APRICOTS (DRIED, FRESH)won't miss Folic acid,Potassium
Won't eat TOMATOES serve SALSA, STRAWBERRIES won't miss Vitamin C, Lycopene
Since we are the first generation that will live longer than our children, lifestyle and nutrition should be a big concern. Although we live rather fast lives today, many children and way to many adults just don’t get enough exercise. Make sure you and your child get exercise each day. Studies suggest most children eat about the same amount of food each day, some just don’t move around much.
I hope this is good food for thought. I will reiterate, CHOICES! If you give your child the choice between A and B. He will choose one and eat it because it was his choice. If you believe your child has a food allergy, might I suggest a professional diagnosis. I will follow this week with a great and nutritious summer recipe. Your comments are always appreciated (sometimes more than others!).
Buon Appetito
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