Picky Eaters and Potential Vitamin Supplements

Do they like french fries? Homemade? Because I stopped making them with white potatoes and only make them with sweet potatoes now, and they go crazy over them. We have them 2-3 times a week and they're healthy for them. Cut up sweet potatoe, drizzle olive oil, some pepper and garlic powder, toss in a bowl, spread out on cookie sheet and bake up till tender. Get out the ketchup, and they'll think they are being slick eating fries, when they're really eating very healthfully. That could eventually lead to mashed sweet potatoes down the road once they get a taste for them.

Trish,
I have found a great supplement line. They have many products for specific issues. The company is Liquid Health. www.liquidhealthinc.com They actually have a good-tasting kids' multi-vitamin and I use several of their other products myself. They are in liquid form to allow for better absorption. You can find these products online and also at J's Vitamins and More. This store is located on Milwaukee Ave. near Foster. It is a few doors down from Once Upon a Child. I am seeing good results in both my son and in me.
Good luck.
Amy A S.

Hi Trish,

I laughed when I read the responses and saw one mom who knows all my tricks. The smoothie is a lifesaver and my kids still think it is a milkshake. I use frozen berries from Dominicks (about 1 cup), a fresh banana, one cup of any kind of yogurt, and as much whole milk as I need. There is nothing unhealthy about this and it tastes great. Throw in some ice if you need it and let your kids push the blender buttons for added thrills. I also used to mix baby food veggies (spinach, carrots, etc.) into spaghetti sauce, and it worked like a charm. Finally, a little bribery seems to also work for me--if you eat 3 pieces of broccoli I will give you a (100% fruit juice) popsicle. Good luck! A.

I know, and like Shaklee products because of all the research and quality testing they do on every product. I've learned through personal experience that many products use stimulants. They make you think you feel good, when in reality that is all it's doing, it's not nourishing the body like it could.

What I know about Shaklee and what I've learned through Nancy Haines is that:

v Every single raw ingredient in every single Shaklee product is tested for 400 pesticides
v Even aerial contamination of plants in an organic farm is possible.
v As a result of Shaklee science, Shaklee products perform differently. Their aim is to create BALANCE, to let the body naturally heal itself. By contrast, stimulation does not create balance.

v There is clinical documentation behind every single statement made by Shaklee.
v Bioavailability of Shaklee products is achieved by targeting the exact delivery point of a nutrient within the body. Research then validates its success.

v May 2004 Consumer Reports has an article on the “Dirty Dozen” bad ingredients in nutritional supplements. Shaklee is the ONLY company that has NEVER sold ANY of these ingredients.

I get my Shaklee from Nancy Haines in Naperville
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Hope this helps. D.

HI

My kids are very picky eaters also, I have found hiding foods in things they like works. Also, I found a supplement that is ranked the #1 kids supplement in North America. A good book to get before you make a decision on supplements is Compatative Guide to Nutritional Supplments by Lyle Mac Williams BSC,MSC. There is a childerns version and adults version. This doctor is from Canda and is not affiated with any supplement companies. He has tested over 500 different supplement for adults and kids.

Any question feel free to email me or call.

K.
____@____.com
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I have a picky eater also, a five year old son. I tried to get him to take whole food supplements, but they never tasted good, so he wouldn't take them either. Then I found Xango. This is a whole fruit (juice) nutritional supplement that is 100% natural with no toxic theshold. 1 oz of this juice is equivalent to 1 serving of fruit AND one serving of vegtable. In addition, with science backing it, it is known to have anti-biotic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory AND anti-tumor properties. I truly believe this is the future of family health. It tastes great. The fruit is the mangosteen fruit of SE asia, unknown here. Get more info at http://www.promotehealthbuildwealth.com
good luck!

I would be happy to give you some of my tips that helped me turn around my picky eater. It would be best if you can email me. (____@____.com) In general, I realized that b/c my son was such a picky eater, mealtime was never normal or fun. He got lots of negative attention which focused on making him or telling him to eat. I completely turned it around: I put all my emotion in to positive compliments and was very matter of fact and non-emotional (and not angry) when it came to telling him to eat. I tried to only notice and compliment when he ate something well or took a bite by himself or tried something new, and I almost completely ignored any negative eating habbits. We would talk out of context (i.e., not at the meal) what I expected of him at mealtime and what it meant to be to be a good eater. I bought him superman birthday plates, and when he came to the table when I told him it was time to eat, he could choose a plate. I divided the food on his plate into four very small portions. When he finished each portion by himself (it could be a quarter of a sandwich, or a carrot), then he got to eat a treat such as a chocolate chip or a gummi bear that I had previously placed on the table.

I also made a rule that even if he didn't want to eat (the potato for instance) it had to be on his plate. I found that just like they say for babies, the more he was exposed to eat, the more comfortable he became with it and eventually tried it. Later, I made a rule that he just had to take one bite of something, chew it and swallow it, and if he did not want any more he didn't have to. I tried to give him as much power as possible so that he did not feel forced. I would tell him he could eat his PB&J sandwich now and then try one bite of cauliflower, or take the bite and then have his sandwich, etc... it was his choice.

Try to give lots of positive praise and reinforcement for the behaviors you like, ignore the ones you don't, use some bribery, invite their friends over that are good eaters to join you for a meal, serve new things.... and give it some time.

My college roomate is married to the son of the Reliv founder. I've tried the products and really like them... let me know if you want more info on the company.

as far as getting your kids to eat more... I have the same problem. I just try and reward them for TRYING a bite of something. I also sneak as many fruits and veggies in the food they will eat. they like shakes so I put fruit and yogurt in with the ice cream. they will eat meatballs, so I grate up carrots and other veggies so they can't see or taste them.

My BIL and MIL both use Reliv and would tell you it changed their life! I personally have NO experience with it and I would tend to agree with Shelley that if we eat right, we shouldn't need supplements. Maybe check out if the library has kid cookbooks so they can be involved in the process and have something to be proud of, that they made it themselves. I know my 13 year old is much more likely to eat something he made, just because he's so distracted by his pride!

Hi Trish,

Before you make the decision to use Reliv products, I would like the opportunity to share information with you about the vitamins and supplements that I use. I am not a sales person, I'm simply passionate about the vitamins and supplements that I use.

I live in Oak Park, IL and you can email me at ____@____.com or you can call me at ###-###-####

Sincerely,

J. Penfield

Cass made a great suggestion. I give my toddlers Flintstones chewables, and they love them. Also, try grinding up broccoli and putting on pizza, or in pasta, as it really can't be seen (or add a little cheese OVER it). Sneak that in.

Peace,
Richard

I have a 3 1/2 that's a terrible eater, I've been given her vitamins and a supplements for fruits and veggies for kids, she and her sister love them, they taste like candy’s.
They're from Nutrilite, and they work for me.

Sold at Jewel, Fox & Obel and WholeFoods found in the produce asile is -ORGANIC JUST CORN-- and other vegetables and fruits. They are dried vegetables and fruits,children and adults eat as snacks. Instead of giving my daughter popcorn I give her the dried corn, instesd of giving her potatoe chips I give her the dried peas. If at dinner she consumes only pasta I can rest easily for she has consumed during the day more than an adequate share of vegetables. There is nothing economical about this product, however the children like it, so, a Mom will love it.
M.

I haven't heard of Reliv, but I do have my 4-year-old drink Ovaltine a few times a week. His pediatrician said it was fine, especially since my son doesn't like any of the chewable or gummy vitamins.

Trish,
My mantra at home when the kids were little was "Picky eaters will always be one thing... hungry". I made sure they had veggies and fruit FIRST and then other things if and only if they ate what was in front of them. Easier said than done sometimes but when kids get hungry enough they WILL eat what they need too. Now my kids will pretty much try anything (they're older now of course).

I'd stay away from the packaged drink products... although they claim to have a lot in them they also have a lot of junk in them as well...but, again, i tend toward the more natural side of things.

Hope that helps!
A.
http://www.funontheark.com

How about dried fruit in trail mix? You could even let them make their own... go to the bulk section of the grocery store. Even if it's just dried apples, dates, and raisins, that would be better than nothing.
My daughter (age 6) likes frozen fruit better than "regular" too. Try freezing grapes and blueberries and giving them instead of popsicles... or make homemade popsicles from various juices.

Hide veggies in spaghetti sauce if you have to... you can't even tell there are carrots if you mash them up (I just use the canned ones!) and if you slice/dice onions, zucchini, and green peppers small enough, they will probably eat it anyway! How about veggies on pizza?

My daughter likes smoothies too... we buy fresh strawberries on sale and slice & freeze them, then throw them in the blender with some vanilla yogurt- I don't even measure... just make it thin enough to slurp with a straw or you can eat it with a spoon. It doesn't need ice to water it down either!
You can freeze bananas too... cut them in half and stick skewers or chopsticks in them to make popsicles, then let them dip in chocolate syrup, nuts, etc.

Think about soups, sauces, and pot-pies too.. they all mask the taste of veggies if that is what they hate about them. There are also good varieties of chips/pastas, etc now that are made with spinach, etc. Try an organic grocery for healthier alternatives like these. We shop at Whole Foods on occasion and stock up for awhile... they can be more expensive!
Hope this helped!
Amanda (____@____.com)

If they like Juice, I would try V8 Splash. Most kids like it and it contains fruits and vegetables. I think one glass is equal to the recommended daily intake for kids. I have a friend with a daughter who will not eat fruits and veggies and this seems to be a compromise for both of them!

Children never need supplments, unless there is a medical problem. Have you read Super Baby Food? I know your children are not babies but it has fun healthy snack and meal ideas. I would say have food 'camp' and have them help you with the prep of each meal/snack and discuss what is in each thing and how it is good for you. Make it fun. If you give them no other options they will eat it eventually, but it does not have to be painful. Like use raw broccoli as a snack and let them dip the 'trees' in ranch dressing and discuss how the 'trees' ward off the bad things (cancer) and can give them more energy to play. We sometimes eat throught the alphabet over a week, foods that start with each letter. Let them help in the store and use the produce section only. Also try www.wholesomebabyfood.com
Hope this helps.

Hi Trish,

I am dealing with the same issue with my children. I have looked into many supplementals, and I chose one, after many referrals, which appealed to me for many reasons. It's called Juice Plus and it comes in gummy form. My kids love them and if I forget to give them, ask for their vitamins. It's a whole food source so it gets absorbed in the same way food does. I also found out that it is the most independently researched product. I have noticed my children a little more open to fruits and veggies (it claims this will happen). It was one of about 4 referrals I had gotten about 1 year ago and I am very happy with the results. If you would like any more information, I have the name of the distributor I use and her website.

J.

First of all, don't ever give up! Some kids are just naturally picky, but over time, if you keep offering healthy foods, they will learn to like them. The key here is that you and your partner are good examples of loving to eat the veggies and fruits, and continually teaching them WHY they need these foods. Make sure they have no allergies going on. Some kids find orange juice or other foods irritate their stomachs. Other kids, who may have hay fever or other non-food allergies going on just want to eat what will go down easily because the allergy symptoms have their taste buds off, and their sinuses full of mucous, which can make swallowing more difficult. If they have any tooth problems, chewing more fibrous foods (fruits and veggies) can be challenging. Finally, just know that some kids want to take the easy way out, more flavor, less chewing, slides down easy, satisfies the hunger monster. You may have simple carb addicts on your hands. Keep insisting they eat at least one bite of everything you put on their plates. Find a good multivitamin they like to cover what they are missing. One thing I did for my kids when they were small was put things they woudln't eat into things they would eat, like adding pureed beats to chocolate cake or making 'green eggs and ham' just like the Dr. Seuss book (which was spinach pureed into the scrambled eggs)!

One more point I thought of: try different forms of the fruit or veggie you are trying to get them to eat. If they don't like applesauce, let them eat the fresh apple, it is better! If you are trying fresh veggies, try steaming or lightly cooking them. It does change the flavor/texture. If you are trying canned veggies, try fozen, or vice versa. My kids hate all canned veggies, and I don't like serving them anyway becasue of the lower nutritional value and loss of texture, color, and flavor... but if your will accept canned veggies, it may be a a good starting point.

I hartily agree with the suggestion that picky eaters should eat the veggie before the entre is served! Now that my kids are older (teenagers), make room for their likes/dislikes. But all three of them eat nearly everything I fix, and they are all quiet healthy, so it's worth the effort!

Good luck, and again, never give up!

Hi Trish,
I also have that same problem. Have you tried taking veggies and grinding them up and putting them into meatloaf? We grind up lots of veggies and put them in spaghetti sauce as well. Also if they like cheese, you can melt a little velveeta over the veggies, that worked for a little while in our house. In the beginning I got my daughter to enjoy the drinkable yogurts.
You can also try fruit juice bars, the ones made with 100% fruit juice.
I hope some of these ideas will be helpful. Good luck!
P.

Hi Trish! You know, I have this problem with my middle daughter. She use to eat everything in site and since she turned 3 she turns up her nose to alot of things, although she is getting better. Anyhow, have you thought about giving them pediasure? My mom and I talked about doing that with Lauren and now, Erik my youngest who is 3 is also getting pretty picky too and I worry. I have not gotten that yet, because it is kind of expensive for as much as they drink it, but it would be worth it to make sure they are getting what they need. My daughter who is the oldest and she is 10 1/2 is a good eater and always has been thank goodness. I hope this helps you out a bit.

S.
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com