The reluctance to eat is due to various factors, this is the onset of the disease, an excess of sweets in the diet, a physiologically small need for calories, as well as stressful situations. Let’s try to figure out what exactly is the reason.
The child has no appetite – is this a problem?
Periods of “don’t want” occur spontaneously and last for weeks, and some children limit their menu until adolescence. As a rule, parents are frightened by the fact that the child eats less than their peers, sorts out foods by appearance and aroma, eats badly and only a few types of dishes, vegetables and fruits. If the young gourmet is cheerful, mobile, and the height and weight are normal, then there is nothing to worry about. According to scientific data, about 30% of preschoolers fall into the category of “little kids”. To force to eat, it is not at all necessary to act differently – to arouse interest.
Poor appetite in a child – possible causes
Sometimes, food allergies are to blame – the child associates foods with unpleasant sensations and, as a result, is afraid to try something new. It can also be a large number of snacks that do not leave room for a full meal. The reason is also a huge amount of incentives, when the baby is passionate about something (for example, reading an interesting book), the need for food decreases. Parents are partly to blame, the baby associates food with punishment when he is scolded at this time.
Genetic factors:
- the TAS2R38 gene responsible for the feeling of bitterness – the higher its activity, the more it seems that the food tastes unpleasant
- fear – the mechanism for refusing new products is laid down by evolution based on the precautions of our ancestors. Such suspicion allowed them to survive, since people did not have knowledge about poisonous plants.
- 25% of the population are characterized by increased sensitivity of taste buds, perhaps the baby is one of them
- it has been scientifically proven that foods with a predominantly green color are identified by the brain as not very useful, which affects instinctive refusal, so the child eats little greens and zucchini.
The child does not eat well – how to fix it
Creating interest can be a long and difficult process. A new dish should be offered at least ten times a day to convince the child. Research shows that after only two weeks of trying every day, children agree to try an unknown product. However, it is possible to speed up the process by offering food in the company of friends. Children are more likely to eat when they see the same action in their peers. If the picky eater doesn’t accept traditional treats, change the shape. For example, instead of boiled potatoes – baked, and fresh vegetables – in a salad or sauce, fruits – in the form of a cocktail, juice, ice cream.
Recommended: when a child is not eating well – stages of baby food
It is very important not to force or eat a full portion. An atmosphere of stress and tension is one of the reasons why a child does not eat well. A preschooler should enjoy food without accepting punishment or reward for it. It is also not recommended to encourage the addiction to food with sweets. When addictive to new tastes or more frequent meals, keep track of the time – preferably, lunch or dinner should be offered at the same time. A portion should be no larger than a child’s fist, when a preschooler is forced to eat more than the prescribed norm, this leads to the habit of overeating, as well as being overweight in the future.
If you decide to increase your appetite with vitamins, do not forget to consult a pediatrician.
Sweets are minimal. Drinks are served only after the baby has eaten, otherwise there will be no room left in the full stomach. Try to cook together, during cooking, picky crumbs imperceptibly learn about many tastes. Invite your child to add “magic spices” that will make the soup the most delicious. Always leave a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs on the table, a hungry baby will surely choose what he likes best.
Does the child eat poorly, lose weight and the above tips do not help? Contact your pediatrician, perhaps these are signs of an underlying disease. In some cases, a visit to a nutritionist helps.