Children are often picky eaters, which makes it a common concern among parents, who are often left wondering whether their kids are receiving all the nutrients that they need in the right proportions.
In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, Dt Deepali Sharma allayed their concern by pointing out that not every child who refuses vegetables or insists on eating the same food every day has a feeding disorder.
“Children’s appetite and food preferences naturally fluctuate as they grow. Some may eat very little at one meal and compensate at another, while others need several exposures before accepting a new food,” she stated. “Growth concerns, low energy or repeated nutritional deficiencies are additional reasons to seek medical advice. Instead, parents should focus on the gradual expansion of food choices without turning meals into a battle.
“A child who eats only a handful of foods, avoids entire food groups, loses previously accepted foods, or becomes highly distressed at the sight or smell of unfamiliar foods may require closer attention,” stated Dt Sharma. The clinical nutritionist noted that the goal should not be to make every child eat a “perfect” diet.
