Dr. Alan Greene On Solutions For Picky Eating

We’ve all encountered at least one of these eaters in our lives. They don’t eat red foods, they only like foods starting with the letter C, and they won’t eat their vegetables, the list can go on and on. These types of people are known as, picky eaters. Toddlers are infamous for being in the category of picky eaters.

I attended a luncheon with Dr. Alan Greene that was sponsored by Plum Organics about the importance of proper eating habits and nutrients for toddlers. A noted pediatrician who has written extensively about children and health,  Dr. Greene has a very helpful and informative website subtitled, “Let’s Talk Kids Heath.”

Toddle time is the most pivotal times for eating habits, Greene says. Noting that this is the most challenging time to get your child to eat certain foods, but good nutrition is lost among many kids at this age.

The definition of a toddler as, Greene says, is when a baby starts walking independently. This time varies for every child. As a Doctor, he said that you do not see many children at this age because you were so involved when they were babies, giving them shots and making sure they were A-Okay, now parents just think that their child is a picky eater. In some cases, children can have Food Neophobia. Food Neophobia is the fear of new foods based on color, texture, bitterness, or sourness, Greene says.

It is just as important for toddlers to go to the doctors to have those conversations with their pediatrician about the amount of nutrients your toddler is consuming. There are nearly 2 million children morbidly obese, and many are undiagnosed. Along with obesity, diabetes is on the rise and can start early on, Greene explains.

Toddler time is when your child will learn the word no, and will definitely use it when trying new foods.  Greene covered ways on how to try and tackle the monster of being a picky eater.

1. Don’t try to convince your kids to eat something. If you are forcing them to eat a food, they will most likely not want it.
2. Try not to restrict foods, such as cookies and chips that will only make your kids want them more because they know that those are the “special” treats.
3. If older siblings or people that your child looks up to are eating certain foods, they will be more inclined to try them.

While trying out new foods with your toddler is important, it’s extra important to make sure that they have a balanced diet, Greene says. 1-year-olds should consume about 900 calories a day and toddler’s ages 2-3-years-old should consume about 1,000 calories, according to Greene. In addition they should have about 13 grams a day of protein.

For those picky toddlers who do not like there vegetables, Greene recommended roasting the vegetables instead of eating them raw or steamed. (Giving them a little extra flavor). He says there’s also a myth that snacking will destroy a kid’s appetite. In some cases that could be true, unless you do it the right way. Greene mentions that properly spaced snacks with actually help them eat meals! When choosing a snack, make a smart choice. Choose a food that has vitamins, grains, whole foods, fruit, or vegetables.

At the luncheon, I learned about several Plum Organics products that incorporate all of those ingredients into their foods. Greene is the pediatric adviser of Plum Organics and worked closely with them to ensure that your toddler will be getting the nutrients they need to prosper.

Plum Organics Mighty Line

Mighty 4 Pouches: These pouches are a great way to transition from baby to toddler. They come in five different flavors and each pouch contains 20% vitamins, and at least one ingredient whether it is a fruit, vegetable, whole grain, or dairy source.

Mighty 4 Bar: The Mighty 4 Bar Combines fruits, vegetables, whole grains and yogurt to create a tasty snack! Plum Organics has two flavors, blueberry and carrot, and strawberry and spinach. These bars fit perfectly in a toddler’s hand, have all natural sugars, and 11 vitamins and minerals.

Mighty Puff ‘Ems: Plum Organics is the first to introduce herbs and spices into toddler snacks. Mighty Puff ‘Ems includes whole grains, veggies, herbs, and 13 vitamins and minerals. The Puff ‘Ems come in 3 different flavors and the container fits in most cup holders!

Mighty Sips: Mighty Sips is organic, contains real milk, veggies, and no artificial flavors or colors. If a child needs more nutrients in their diets the Mighty Sips is the way to go! , This product will be in-market fall 2014.

Visit Plum Organics website for more information.