Is your child a picky eater? It can be worrisome to have a child who doesn’t seem to be getting all the nourishment they need. But there are simple ways you can increase your child’s appetite.
Here are five tried-and-tested tips.
1. Find out the cause of poor appetite
There are a variety of reasons why a child might not be in the mood to eat. It could be that there is an underlying illness—like sore throat, fever, diarrhea, constipation, or intestinal worms—or they might simply lack motivation. Talk to your child or consult a pediatrician or nutritionist to prevent your child from growing up malnourished or underweight. Identifying and addressing the root cause is crucial for strategies that can effectively increase your child’s appetite.
2. Rethink food choices in favor of enjoyable ones
You know your child better than anyone. Are they hesitant when it comes to new textures and tastes? Don’t pressure them to be open to new foods if they’re not ready. List down all the nutritious foods they have enjoyed in the past and use this knowledge to plan your meals. Give it time and be consistent. Soon enough, they’ll be more comfortable accepting new foods into their daily diet, which will help increase your child’s appetite over time.
Make it fun! Create food art to promote enjoyment while eating.
photo: dreamstime
3. Don’t take exercise for granted
Making sure your child gets active helps boost hunger and appetite, which is essential for growth and development. Regular physical activity not only promotes health but also helps increase your child’s appetite. According to the CDC, kids need at least an hour of exercise daily, whether it’s running, riding bikes, or swimming. Plus, getting your child involved in sports can improve their mood, further aiding in the effort to increase your child’s appetite, while also building strong socioemotional skills that will benefit them throughout life.
4. Go for foods that are rich in calories
A smart way to ensure picky eaters still get the nutrients they need is by feeding them calorie-rich foods. Examples include granola bars, yogurt, almond milk, and avocados. These foods can help increase your child’s appetite by providing the energy they require without overwhelming them with large portions.
5. Stick to a routine
Serve snacks and meals around the same time each day. Avoid being a “short order cook” that responds to every little craving. Establishing a mealtime schedule trains them to be ready to eat at designated times, which can help increase your child’s appetite. Additionally, avoid offering too much juice and water in between meals, as this might make them feel too full when mealtime arrives.
sources: LiveStrong, Mayo Clinic
READ: Is your kid a picky eater? Boost her appetite with these 10 foods!