eating habits

My grandson has eaten nothing but junk food (chips, sweets, etc) since he got off baby food.  We have tried everything to get him to eat.  He refuses any kind of meat or anything healthy.  Has never eaten beef, will eat chicken nuggets from McDonalds, but no chicken we make at home.  Never eaten any other sandwich than peanutbutter and jelly, now will only eat jelly sandwiches.  We once made him eat something he refused, and he had a gag reflex.  Then I read that some kids didn't like the texture of some foods, and would gag.  Help, we don't know what to do.

[Renee Radenberg]

From your measurements, his weight is just above the 25th percentile for his age which is normal. Some children are very picky eaters. It is frustrating when a child has no interest in healthy foods. Try engaging him in the kitchen more. Have him help you with planning and preparation of food, and setting the table. Hopefully this will increase his interest in food. The most important is to relax at meals. Try introducing new foods. Sometimes it takes 5-9 times to introduce a food that he will accept, however, if he do not want it do not force him to eat it. Give him the food he likes and is the most healthy. Hoped this helped you.