Picky eating in children can manifest differently and be challenging and frustrating for the parents. On the one hand, their children are growing and need good food and nutrition to meet the increased demands of their metabolic rate. On the other, the children fail to eat or are very picky about it, leading to possible instances of malnutrition.Â
Picky eaters build a little bubble around themselves when it comes to eating. They have strong preferences and only enjoy certain types (or groups) of foods. However, some picky eating habits are expected in young kids and usually resolve as they grow up.Â
In this article, we discuss some important things about this predicament and easy meal ideas for picky eaters to help you introduce more foods to your children without overwhelming them.Â
What you need to know about picky eating
The phrase ‘picky eater’ was coined in 1970, before which data on selective eating was minimal. Today, we know that picky eating is a behavioral disorder characterized by a hesitation to eat familiar foods or try new foods. While there is no universally accepted definition of picky eating, it is characterized by limited food intake, avoiding certain foods such as fruits and vegetables, and unwillingness to try new foods. It is usually observed among children at the age of 7 or 8 and since there is no agreement on a specific tool to identify it, it can be difficult to spot.Â
Picky eating is caused by several factors including the following:
- Early difficulties in feeding
- Late start of weaning, especially introduction to lumpy foods
- Allowing children to make food choices very early on
- Little access to fresh foods
- Eating the same foods over and over as a childÂ
- Anxiety about trying new food typesÂ
These factors can limit your child’s palate, leading to picky eating later in life – which if left untreated can extend into adulthood. Some kids may also develop picky eating traits due to a hypersensitivity to certain taste profiles, textures, and smells.Â
The consequences of picky eating are hence, quite a few. Poor dietary variety leads to malnutrition, often with low levels of iron and zinc. This is a result of low dietary intake of meat, fruits, and vegetables and is particularly concerning. A fiber-limited diet also means that fussy eaters frequently struggle with constipation, which can lead to bigger problems with age. Picky eating in children is also associated with developmental difficulties, slower growth, and low energy levels. If left unresolved about 0.5 to 5% of young picky eaters are at a risk of developing ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) with even more severe symptoms.Â
Fortunately, therapy modules and support are becoming readily available. Professionals closely monitor young picky eaters, and their parents are advised to add a variety of foods to meals. Therapists agree that repeated exposure to unfamiliar foods, and positive social experiences around mealtimes can help children to eat properly. In most cases, however, children simply move on from their picky eating ‘phase’ as they grow up and try new varieties of foods.Â
Exciting meal ideas for picky eaters with Kaiser food products
On that note, picky-eating children, who like eating the same thing for the fear of trying new foods, can be slowly eased into new flavors. One of the best ways to do so is to add some sides they don’t usually eat with their favorite foods. This way you can introduce them to new taste profiles through salads, sauces, and more.Â
The extensive Kaiser Foodline product lineup can make mealtimes fun for young picky-eaters and eliminate the prep hassle for their parents. Kids may find it different from the home cooking they are used to and feel encouraged to experience new flavors with fewer meltdowns. Here are a few meal ideas for picky eaters you can try with your young ones.Â
Chicken nuggets with coleslawÂ
Breaded snacks especially chicken nuggets are always a hit with the kids and can be filling and nutritious when added to a meal. Made with free-range hand-cut Zabiha halal poultry, Kaiser Chicken Breast Nuggets are delicious and minimally processed. Add them to your child’s plate for a good portion of lean protein.Â
Quick recipe: Pair tasty Kaiser chicken nuggets with tomato ketchup and coleslaw. This easy coleslaw recipe only uses a few ingredients and is ready within minutes. Serve with the nuggets for a little variety and veggies made tempting by the creamy mayonnaise.Â
Beef Adana kebab with cheesy mashed potatoes
Children often enjoy kebabs with a smoky flavor – all hail barbecue! The mild flavors of the Colonel Kababz Beef Adana Kabab are appetizing to kids and add much-needed protein to their meals. Serve alongside pita bread for a fun wrap!
Quick recipe: To make this meal more fulfilling and kid-friendly, try this amazing recipe for cheesy mashed potatoes by Tara Teaspoon. It may just bring your picky child up for seconds!
Chicken quesadilla with salsa
Children tend to love the combination of chicken and cheese, making chicken quesadilla an excellent option. Kaiser Tandoori Chicken Quesadilla is halal and comes packed with smoky chicken and cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal.Â
Quick recipe: Try this quick-to-whip-up salsa recipe by Lil’ Luna for an easy side with the quesadilla. It uses ingredients kids usually enjoy and adds a delicious pop of color to the plate.
Chicken Cutlet Sandwich with Fries
Sandwiches are an all-time favorite for children and adults alike. And when it is super quick to assemble, it becomes a godsend. Kaiser Chicken Cutlet brings you the goodness of all-natural chicken, cheese, and veggies, and the breading gets all crispy when fried – it’s the perfect addition to any sandwich. Just sauce the buns with whatever your kid prefers, add lettuce, and the cutlet and you have a great meal ready within minutes.
Quick recipe: No chicken sandwich is complete without a handful of yummy fries to go with it. Try this quick recipe of crispy oven fries by Trish of Mom on Timeout, and serve it alongside the chicken cutlet sandwich to make it a tasty and fun meal.
Conclusion
Food is more than just fuel for the body. Although it often resolves itself, a small percentage of children who struggle with picky eating early in life may develop a problematic relationship with food. Hence, if you feel your child’s picky eating is consistently growing and nothing seems to work, it would be best to see an expert. A therapist may be able to understand and help your child improve their eating habits.
Kaiser Foodline ensures the meals that reach your table are not just delicious manifestations of authentic recipes but also wholesome, delivering the nutrients your body seeks. If you have a picky eater at home, explore the variety of our product lineup for easy meal ideas. You can also shop online, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram, Facebook, and X!Â