very picky eater

[daveswife10]

My son is 22months old, he is not over weight but definately not underweight either. He has never eaten meat, he wont even let it go anywhere near his lips, I can' t hide it in anything. he's sure to inspect his food before eating. I have to make two seperate dinners, because my son lives on grilled cheese, cheeze whiz toast, cheese, crackers, apples and Mr. Noodles. That is all he will eat. I give him a vitamin everyday, but will he outgrow this? How do I go about introducing new foods so that he'll be more likely to even try it?

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is just above the 90th percentile and his height is on the 95th percentile for his age. He is normal for his age. Children around that age start to become ‘picky’ eaters and may out grow it. Since he will not eat meat then make sure he has protein from other sources such as: dairy products - milk, yogurt, cheeses, pudding, and ice cream. From the plant world there are complete proteins such as soy products - tofu, soy milk, soy yogurt, soy pudding, and soy ice cream. Incomplete proteins you need to combine foods such as beans and rice, pasta with vegetables, peanut butter and bread, nuts in salad, and beans with pasta. You can try any of the above to get protein in him for each meal. Milkshakes (milk, fresh fruit, and ice cream) are also good for extra protein too. The most important thing is to RELAX. You do not want mealtimes to be a battle of the wits between the child and the parents. Remember meals need to be joyous for parents and the child. If he will not eat a certain food, do not make a fuss over it. Give him some other food alternatives. Then let it go and enjoy the meal. Lead by example. Slowly introduce new foods, and if he does not want it, do not make a fuss over it. Sometimes it takes 5-9 times to introduce a food that they will accept, however, if they do not want it and let it go. Try again in a few months. Hope this helped you.