It’s taken a while for me to realize that Linlee is no longer the wonderful eater that she use to be. For so long she would happily eat pretty much everything – and that’s how I always think of her. But suddenly, I’m realizing that she’s not eating much of anything now (aside from fruit) – and she does it all day long! She’s turned into this constant grazer because she never fills herself up. She is rejecting all the foods that she normally loves; grilled cheese, scrambled eggs, chicken, green beans, etc. Today I tried cutting her peanut butter sandwich into little triangles without the crust to see if that would intice her. Here is what she ate:
You can’t tell from the picture, but that is a little plate with a little sandwich on it. I’m guessing about four bites made it into Linlee’s tummy. I’m kind of at a loss. I know she won’t starve to death, but I’m wondering why this child who used to love everything has suddenly turned into such a picky eater. What do other moms feed their toddlers? I need ideas!
And of course, here are a few beautiful Linlee pictures to complete the post:
Love the new digs!
She will not starve to death. I promise. Just make the same healthy variety of meals you always have and she will eat them again. She may not eat much and she may not eat often, but she will eat. You’ll be amazed at how few calories they actually need. Then, one day in the not too distant future, she’ll eat more than you or Rob in a meal and you’ll think you’re going to faint! Hang in there.
I am no help but look forward to the answers : )
I did have a friend who made a “food pyramid” of sorts…there was velcro on diff foods and if her daughter ate something she got to put it on her pyramid for the day…worked for her. I know I saw a felt board variety at Parent Teacher store…
One of my boys, when he was about a year or so, wanted to eat nothing but pudding, Colleen!!!!!!!,,,,,,,,,,and my other son got very picky, for a short time, when he was about 2 years old, and now he’ll eat practically everything.
Karen’s advice, above, sounds like an excellent suggestion, Colleen. Don’t change what you cook, and continue to put the food in front of her, and when she gets hungry enough,,it will all look delicious to her once again!!! She has really been putting you through the “Mommy test”, lately; hasn’t she? But, I know that you’ll pass with flying colors, honey. Hang in there!!!!!
Yay! I can leave a post on your new blog!
Another vote for continuing to offer healthy foods. You certainly don’t want to get into the short order cook syndrome. Just remember, soon you will reach the “if you don’t like what I’ve fixed you’re welcome to fix yourself a peanut butter sandwich or a bowl of cereal” stage.(In this stage, the toddler tantrum is replaced by the 7th grade eye rolling…)
Okay, here’s advice from the Pickiest-Eater-Ever’s Mom. Kieren doesn’t like food. She never has and she has some issues with textures. If she eats something, it usually has little nutrition to it. Cullen was the perfect eater. He still is. So when we were suddenly faced with a child who wouldn’t eat, we talked to our doctor. I love this woman!!! She looked at Kieren and just said “I don’t care what she eats, just get calories in her. We will deal with nutrition later.” I’m sure I looked totally shocked, but that is what we are doing.
I used to be pretty uptight about it, but Kieren is healthy and doing great! Some days it’s a nightmare finding something she will eat, but cheese, crackers, and grapes are usually winners if nothing else is. I still serve Kieren a little bit of everything we are eating, but I also include some of the things I know will be eaten.
I know Linlee’s situation is different because she used to be such a great eater. A lot of kids this age go through this phase. I think it’s designed to find our breaking point! Hang in there and don’t make an issue over it. If Linlee sees it bugs you, she wins the war. Good luck!
(BTW, thanks for the support this week!)
Our son was a picky eater from birth. Wouldn’t take breastmilk. Ate weird stuff, like peanut butter and crackers dipped in lemon pepper. However, his picky eating habits never seemed to affect his health, he’s a strapping 23-year-old now, and still picky as ever.