Hello, beautiful people!
Welcome back to our picky eating journey. If you're just joining, my name is Destiny, and I’m here to share the ups and downs of navigating the world of toddler food struggles. My sweet son, Ermias, used to eat just about anything I put in front of him. Fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins? No problem! But as he’s gotten older, things have started to change, and now mealtime feels more like a challenge than a celebration.
As toddlers grow, they start to develop their own preferences, and that’s exactly what’s happening with Ermias. What once was a love for everything on his plate is now a battle of refusals. But here’s the thing—while it’s frustrating, I know this is a natural part of his development. The good news is, this is also the perfect time to help shape his relationship with food and teach him to embrace new flavors and nourish his body.
The Shift: From Food Lover to Picky Eater
I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. One minute, Ermias would happily eat anything and everything, and the next, he was refusing foods he once loved. It was like a switch flipped, and the foods he used to enjoy were now met with resistance. I’m sure many parents have faced the same thing: watching your child go from a happy eater to someone who turns up their nose at almost every meal.
At first, I thought it might just be a phase. But now I realize that this is the time when his preferences are really starting to shape his relationship with food. And while that’s perfectly normal, I know it’s also a challenge. So, what do I do now? I’m here to help guide him, teach him, and try my best to expand his palate—without turning mealtime into a battlefield.
The Plan: Step-by-Step, Bite-by-Bite
Instead of overwhelming Ermias with too many new things all at once, I’m starting slow. I know that his favorite comfort foods are a great place to start, and we can build from there. Take mac and cheese, for example. It’s a staple in his diet, and I’m using it as a way to add some nutrition without taking away the familiarity of the dish.
The goal is to sneak in a few new ingredients (like veggies or plant-based swaps) without making it feel too different from the mac and cheese he already loves. By introducing changes gradually, I can make food more exciting and less stressful for him, while still giving him something he’s comfortable with.
The key here is not to force it, but to be persistent in offering new options. Some days will be a success, others may not, but every small step counts. There’s no magic formula to picky eating, just a lot of trial and error, patience, and love.
Why Now is the Time to Help Him Develop Healthy Habits
I know that it’s important to work on expanding his food choices now, not only because he’s at an age where his preferences are changing but also because this is when I have the chance to teach him about the importance of food in our lives. It’s not just about the taste—it’s about fueling his body and learning to listen to his hunger cues.
By starting now, I’m laying the foundation for him to understand that eating isn’t just about “filling up”—it’s about feeling good, getting the right nutrients, and respecting his body’s needs. I want him to know that food can be fun, adventurous, and nourishing. I’m also teaching him that it’s okay to try new things, and it’s okay if you don’t love something the first time you try it. We’re all learning together!
The Future: Building a Healthy Relationship with Food
I know it won’t happen overnight, and there will be days when I want to pull my hair out (or at least throw a tantrum right along with him). But what’s most important is that Ermias and I are learning to navigate this journey together. I’m not just trying to get him to eat more foods—I’m trying to instill in him a healthy relationship with food that he can carry with him for the rest of his life.
As he grows, I want him to have the tools to make healthy choices, listen to his body, and embrace new foods without fear or resistance. We’ve got a long road ahead of us, but with patience, persistence, and a little bit of creativity, we’ll get there.
Join Me on This Journey
I’ll be sharing all the recipes, meal ideas, grocery lists, and updates along the way. I’m here to show you the highs, the lows, and everything in between as we work to go from picky to tasty. I know many of you have picky eaters at home, so I hope this blog will inspire you to try new things and share your experiences with me.
Let’s face it: parenting is a team effort, and there’s no shame in asking for support. If you’re on a similar journey or have advice to share, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s help our kids learn to enjoy food, nourish their bodies, and embrace new flavors—one bite at a time.
So, whether you’re struggling with your own little picky eater or just need some inspiration, come along for the ride. Together, we’ll make mealtime a lot more enjoyable—and a lot less stressful.
If you’ve got a picky eater at home, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Leave a comment below, share your tips and tricks, and let’s learn from one another. After all, we’re all in this together!
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