Overcoming the Frustration and Getting Creative

The solution to picky eating seems simple enough.  Set specific expectations, and follow through with consistency.  At least it seemed simple to me until I had a picky eater sitting at my table. 

In my experience, it has been more than the child not wanting to try something.  With picky eaters, the experience of the food before them is more than they can bear.  Bold colors, strange smells and odd textures all complicate the situation.  There's also a physical aspect to it, as a zinc deficiency can alter the smell and taste of foods.  In addition, prior power struggles color the perspective of the child in the moment.  A child can feel powerless in the daily decisions being made, especially meal time, with food consumption being the one thing they can control. 

Before becoming aware of all this, I had a hard time overcoming my own frustrations concerning my son's picky eating.  The most common thought that would come to mind was, "not again".  I also struggled with pushing down the doubt that my son might never overcome his food aversions.  The fear that fueled these thoughts only exasperated the situation as my son sensed it like a blood hound.  Every time I would reach my limit he would buckle down even harder. 

It wasn't until I came to terms with my own fears and hopelessness with the situation that I was able to get creative.  I believe that creativity has been the harbinger to the successes that have followed.  Creativity is rooted in love, and is hard not to get on board with when done authentically. 

Over the next few posts I will share the creative ideas that have helped to encourage and empower my son to eat better.  They've worked well for me, and hopefully will spark some ideas for others too. 

What's Eating Your Child?

Given this is the first official entry of this blog, it makes sense that I share what started me down this road of food sensitivities and nutrition.  I had been toying with the idea that dairy might be having an undesirable effect on my son, when a friend recommended the book, "What's Eating Your Child" by Kelly Dorfman.  The author is a seasoned food nutritionist with 30 years of clinical experience.  Further adding to her credentials, she specializes in food allergies and sensitivities. 

The book is a compilation of information and case studies.  First, Dorfman's aim is to educate parents about nutrition and sensitivities.  Then she offers a variety of situations so that parents can pick and choose potential causes as it relates to their unique situations.  

The premise is that the digestive system is the hub of the body.  All other systems require a specific set of nutrients to function properly.  When deficient, each person reacts in their own individual way.  The reason for deficiencies is different for each person too.  Some have food sensitivities, and some are just not getting enough variety in their diet.  The author's aim is to arm the reader with information so that they can figure out exactly which one, or combination of is causing issues in their body.

She also delves into other areas such as sensitivities to pesticides, GMO's and dyes.  She doesn't make too many assertions.  Instead, she shares information and allows the reader to come to their own conclusions about the potential side effects of these modern changes to our food.  

I highly recommend this book to parents who are seeking to learn more about this realm.  If you are frustrated with all the dead ends, and are ready to start down the path of discovering your own individual truths then this is the perfect book to start with. 

Introduction - Why Another Blog?

I'm starting this blog because I feel a strong need to share my experiences as they relate to my son's picky eating.  Since I can remember, my son has limited himself to foods that are white and simple in texture.  Which has translated to lots of processed and whole foods that lack nutrients essential for growth and healing. 

Consequently, earlier this year my son experienced some pretty serious behavioral issues such as aggressiveness and social anxiety.  He also started having more chronic episodes of asthma and bronchitis.   

Through my own research and the help of compassionate doctors, I have pinpointed nutrition and food sensitivities as the underlying reasons for what our son has been experiencing.  We initially cut gluten, then additional processed foods and now are on the path of adding more whole, healing foods to his diet.

There have been many ups and downs, and I feel that the insights I have learned along the way through trial and error might come in handy to other families struggling with this vicious cycle that can lead to a whole host of physical and emotional challenges.  I also welcome readers to share insights via commenting. 

If you can relate to any of that then follow me as I share what has worked for us, as well as what we learn as we go forward.