How can I get my 10 year old to eat more healthfully?

Question

He has a VERY limited diet and will gag and even throw up if we force him to eat foods that are different. Anyone have success with something like this?

Answer 1

There are a couple of cookbooks out on this subject.  I'd start with this one:

The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids' Favorite Meals

http://www.amazon.com/Sneaky-Chef-Strate...

and this one:

Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food

http://www.amazon.com/Deceptively-Delici...

Of course, y ou need to remember that YOU are the parent, adn the food offerer, so what you put in front of him is dinner.  No snacks, no eating late, and encouraging him to eat well rather than FORCING him to eat well is the best route.  Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food

Answer 2

If it's not in the house he can't eat it. He is to old to still be acting like that. Give him his dinner and is he doesn't eat it give it to him for breakfast etc. When he is hungry he will eat, he will not starve. Eating is about power not the food.

Answer 3

serve him healthy foods and tell him to eat it or he gets nothing. Don't buy the chips/dips and other snack foods. Limited his options will increase his chance of eating healthier, but also expect him to chose not to eat for a while since he won't like the changes, but once he gets hungry enough, he will

Answer 4

you would need to healthy as well.  don't buy junk food.

if the food is really weird like pigs feet or gizzards, then i wouldn't force it.

Answer 5

He eats what you put in front of him, and if he doesn't like it, then he can go without.

Answer 6

slowly introduce slightly different things in.  Or find a way to incoorperate them without telling him.  Like a stew and use a food processor to grind up veggies and put them in undetected.  

My stepdaughter used to be very pick.  The doctor said to let her complain, fuss and cry.  Eventaully she will eat.  It took a year but now she eats most things or will at least try them

Answer 7

I  totally agree with the first response...also only have healthy foods in the house and eat healthy too...I am obese always struggling with my weight so I promised myself that my children will not go threw the same....since they where babies starting to eat I gave them healthy foods ....of course we do have what we call junk food night,which consists of sandwiches,chips,chocolate,iced tea,and a fruit and veggie platter watching movies once a week....I am not obsessed with my children's diet because most of the food they put in there mouth is healthy,they love fruit and veggies,because that is what is offered....and I know my children because of biology(actually big boned on both sides) will never be stick thin,but at least they will be healthy...

Is your child overweight?

Answer 8

If this isn't caused by a health problem, then it's more of a habit.  I suggest talking to your doctor and/or a nutritionist that deals with eating problems in children.  Good luck.

Answer 9

You have to understand that YOU are the parent, not him. Be sure to remind him that your kitchen is not a restaurant and whatever is cooked what will be eaten.

Please expand on his very limited diet. Does he only eat PB&J or something like that?