As a parent of a picky eater, you often try new ways to encourage your kid to eat more types of food.
You probably feel like you’ve tried all the tricks, recipes and you most likely have tried to prove a recent study’s claims that colorful plates will boost a kid’s appetite, but nothing seems to be working.
Kids with picky appetites play favorites. Nutritioncare.net describes them as kids who often consume less than 10 types of food each year.
Poor appetite can be caused by illness, but it can also be associated with low levels of zinc, inadequate gaps between meals (the recommended is 3-4 hours), or too much whole grain or milk, which leaves your kid feeling full.
Let’s take a closer look at 11 foods that will boost your picky kid’s appetite.
Cinammon
By adding cinnamon to porridge or mashed foods when your baby is 7 months and above, you’ll boost her appetite, thanks to the hydroxychalcone found in cinnamon.
For older kids, you can sprinkle cinammon on toast, pastries, or hot chocolate
Peanuts
As we said, a low level of zinc can cause low appetite. Since peanuts are packed with this mineral, it’s definitely one food that’ll get your child to ask for more. It also aids digestion.
It’s important to remember not to give peanuts to babies under 1 year old and to follow the 4-day wait rule, to make sure your kid isn’t allergic.
Pumpkin seeds
Another food that’s rich in zinc are pumpkin seeds. Just make sure not to let your child eat too much, as this might have an adverse effect.
photo: dreamstime
Basil
In babies above the age of 8 months, basil has been known to increase appetite and improve digestion.
Ginger
By crushing ginger and adding it to soup, you can improve your baby’s appetite.
Oregano
Spice up pizzas, bread, and pasta with oregano to see an increased appetite in your picky eater.
Carrot juice
Carrots don’t just promise a healthy dose of vitamin A, it can also increase hunger. Just let your child drink a small glass before meals, to prepare their appetite.
Peaches
Peaches will be fairly easy to include in meals because most kids already find them delicious! Other tangy fruits that improve poor appetite are apricots, apples, and grapes.
Plum
Another delicious, appetite-boosting food kids need more of!
Lemon juice
Switch your super sweet OJ for a healthy glass of lemon juice daily to see a great improvement in your picky kid’s eating habits!
What food worked to boost the appetite of your picky eater? Let us know in the comments below!
READ: How to stop a picky eater from saying no to the food you’re serving
Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!