One thing that might surprise you, is that SO many pediatric medical problems can be easily prevented just by optimizing a child's nutrition through simple changes.  As a society, we have become so far removed from where our food comes from that we don't stop to think about how our choices affect our entire body, from the inside out! How we choose to fuel our bodies sets the stage for total body health, even mental health... and this is especially true for our kids!  That's why I am so excited to share with you everything I have learned about how to keep our kids healthy and growing, just as they should be!

But, even when we know WHAT our kids should be eating for optimal health... actually GETTING them to eat can be an entirely different story. When my first child struggled with picky eating and slow weight gain, it was SO stressful. Even though I was already a doctor and had been vegan for years, I felt lost and frustrated.  I knew I needed a better approach to nutrition than what I had ever learned in school.

Here are my top 5 Pro-Tips for navigating picky eating with your littles.

1. Variety is Key:

Introduce a wide array of plant-based foods to your child's diet. Experiment with different fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. This not only provides essential nutrients but also keeps meals interesting. Remember, it can take up to 20+ exposures to a new food for a child to decide whether they actually like it or not... so don't give up! If you serve something and they don't touch it, don't stress. Just try it again tomorrow. 

2. Get Your Kids Involved:

Take your children grocery shopping and involve them in meal preparation. I cannot emphasize enough how important this is! When kids are part of the process, they often become more interested in trying new foods, both during meal prep and at the table. Make it a fun and educational experience. 

3. Embrace the Mess:

The process of learning to eat is really important. Allow your kids to get messy and fully experience different textures. Don't wipe their face after every bite, just plan to clean them off at the end. These messy meals are temporary but allowing them the space and freedom to figure it out for themselves will pay off!

4. Create a safe space:

Foster a positive atmosphere around meals. Avoid pressuring or bribing your child to eat. Instead, make mealtimes enjoyable, stress-free, and an opportunity for family bonding. Model the behavior for them by focusing on your own meal instead of watching your child's every move. Sometimes kids just need a little less pressure to get the process of eating started. 

5. Lean into their Favorites:

Familiar foods are critical! Make sure to put at least a small serving of something familiar on their plate for EVERY meal. This will help initiate the process and get them started. Once they are munching, they will be much more likely to try some of the other items offered. 

Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Pay attention to your child's cues and preferences, and adjust your approach accordingly. Embrace the journey, its SO fun if you can just let go of the struggle. Your Leafy Littles will grow to appreciate and enjoy this lifestyle, but you've got to be patient! 

If you’re serious about starting a plant based diet for your family, you should download my insanely useful Plant Based Starter Kit.

For 1-on-1 help with lifestyle change, click here