Picky Eaters

Mirna Sabbagh discusses tips to help picky eaters.She is a licensed dietitian and nutritionist in Dubai and the U.S

There are many reasons for picky eating. Here are some below:

1. MEDICAL CONDITIONS:

Medical conditions are a huge driver behind picky eating. Issues like vitamin deficiencies especially Vitamin B12 and Iron can cause low appetite. In addition, food intolerances or celiac disease can also be gigantic drivers behind picky eating. Those issues must be excluded first. We may do an elimination diet or request blood tests from their doctor.

2. SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDERS OR SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY:

Many times children do not eat because they have an issue with textures. As a dietitian I can help you with exercises to improve your child’s handling of textures and different foods. I have had cases where children went from consuming only purees to all different textures. In other instances we had to work with a sensory processing expert to help.

In addition, some children may have real swallowing difficulty and need support from an SLP to help them with their swallowing issues.

3. BEHAVIORAL ISSUES:

It is common that children act out when it comes to food as a reaction to other things during the day. For example, they may be demanding their parents attention. Or it may be their way for putting their foot down. I for one had to take ALOT of parenting courses and psychology courses to learn how to properly handle parenting my son. I help parents solve basic behavioral issues that are there that I have learned from other parents.

Often times my help on it’s own is enough during consultations. However, in some cases, we will need the support of a parenting expert or even a psychologist.

4. FOOD RELATED ISSUES:

Food related issues can also cause picky eating. The lack of schedule, too many calories throughout the day, lack of sleep, the type of food, the food approach. There are hundreds of reasons. All of which I can help you with upon understanding your case better.