Let's talk about picky eating

A few years ago,

Yuki and I brought up the boys' eating habits to the boys developmental neurologist (Their autism clinic doctor). Yuki especially was worried that they are super picky.

He asked us, "What do they eat?"

So we listed what we could:

Yuri likes meat- chicken, beef, pork. He also will eat carrots. He likes fruits, especially blueberries. He loves pizza (pepperoni pizza is the best). He likes rice. He likes fried foods, like chicken nuggets, french fries, etc. He does not care about the brand per say.

Akira likes veggies- he loves carrots and will eat them raw. He loves fruits, especially apples. He also likes pizza (Cheese pizza is the best). He likes rice. He will also eat chicken. He isn't too fond of fried food, but does like french fries. He does not care about the brand per say either.

When we got to about here, the doctor stopped us. He said, "acknowledging that they are on the spectrum, they are actually not bad at eating at all."

He then asked us, "will they try new food?"

We nodded.

He told us there is nothing for us to worry about.

So, we stopped worrying about it.

BUT, we still have them try new foods.

So here is what we do...

We give them food that they like, with food they are not 100% about OR new food.

For example, Yuri does not love veggies but LOVES meat.

So, we will give him a piece of veggie and let him know that he can eat the veggie with the meat together.

We praise them a lot when they do try a new food or eats the food they don't love.

We also show them when we try new food.

I am also a super picky eater. So, I will let them know, "look boys, mommy does not like onions- but I am eating it because it's good for me!"

Modeling helps. They laugh usually and will try something themselves.

We also explain why we want them to eat something. They tend to do well with logic.

We also will blend veggies in to their food that we can. So they get nutrition in them as much as possible!

Yuki also found some muffins with veggies in them. Are they nutritious? We aren't sure. But it seems better than nothing.

We also make it fun! Whether it is cutting food into fun shapes, using songs or anything, we try to take the pressure off of eating.

My big encouragement is to remember that we are doing our best1 If we stress over food, then our kiddos will also sense that. We want them to have a healthy relationship with food, so we do not label our food as good or bad. All food has some positive, is what we say- but everything in moderation!

So let's jump into this week's Therapist Mama Bear tip!