METHODS OF DEALING WITH EATING PROBLEMS
Studies conducted in recent years have shown that if children’s consumption of fruits and especially vegetables increase, there is a decrease in the incidence of death, cardiovascular diseases and cancer in later ages. This shows us that the way we feed children has a huge impact on their immediate and future health. So how can we make children love fruits and vegetables? Again, studies have shown that the earlier you start complementary foods( not earlier than 5 months old) and more often you offer them, the more likely they like fruits and vegetables.
Children are divided into different groups according to their eating habits:
“Learners”: 40% of children fall into this group. In this group we suggest you to offer the food more often and encourage the child to eat. If they start with a bite, and you only ask to taste it, then these children learn to love that food.
“Plate cleaners”: 21% of children fall into this group. These children are ready to love what is offered to them and are open to trying new tastes. There is usually no problem in this group.
“Those who do not eat”: 16% of children fall into this group. People in this group often do not like the food even though they have tried 5 times. Forcing the child to eat makes him move further away from that food, even may induce vomiting. Therefore, it is necessary to try a food 10-15 times without pushing him and start trial at an early age.
“Others”: The remaining group has an eating pattern that varies from food to food. They like a lot some foods and dislike others at all. It helps to teach children benefits of the foods and the importance of a balanced diet.
What mothers eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding is also very important in the new baby`s food choices. Because it is now known that the baby’s sense of taste develops in the womb and that this sense of taste is enriched by what the mother eats while breastfeeding after birth. In connection with this, another benefit of breast milk has been shown: babies who receive breast milk have fewer eating disorders than those who receive formula. Therefore, the more different foods and tastes mothers consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the easier it is for their babies to transition to complementary foods in the future.
Some children have “neophobia”, that is, the fear of trying new things, including new tastes. This situation starts around the age of 1-1.5 and increases towards the age of 3 and can continue throughout childhood. If neophobia begins in the child, it becomes difficult for the child to get used to new tastes. Therefore “the earlier the easier; The more you try, the better the results.” “Eating disorders” occur more frequently in the group of non-eaters. Eating disorders are also divided into 4 subgroups. The cause and treatment for each group is different. The important point to know is that this problem does not resolve itself, it is treatable and early application makes this easier.
Dr. Gulben Efes