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Focus On Nutrition
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Previously Asked Questions
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My 3 year-old is overweight and has been since she was an infant. She eats the same foods as other children her age, but in greater quantities. She refuses any vegetables and will eat only sweet fruits. I don't want to make meal times upsetting for her, so I try not to press the better fruits and vegetables. Will things ever get better? Thanks!
Answer
If you are concerned about her weight, I suggest you get some guidance from your pediatrician and a registered dietitian. For growing children, it is often safest to maintain their current weight while they grow in height. Picky eating is very common in small children. However, as they grow older they are more willing to try new foods.
Offer a variety of nutritious foods. Try not to force your child to eat nor limit her menu to just the few foods she likes. Plan meals that combine foods your child likes with one or two new ones. And remember that young children’s portions are not the same as those for adults. A child’s portion should be about ¼ to ½ that of an adult. Or you can use the rule of thumb that you offer 1 Tbsp of a given food item for each year of your child’s age. So a 3 year-old would have 3 tablespoons of applesauce with her meal.
Most importantly, if you set a good example by eating a variety of foods and being physically active, research shows eventually she will, too. For additional information, you may want to read “Child of Mine” and “Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family,” by Ellen Satter.
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